Abhishek Sharma, the 23-year-old Sunrisers Hyderabad opener, has attributed his success in the ongoing IPL to the unwavering support of skipper Pat Cummins and the entire think-tank. Sharma has been a revelation for Hyderabad this season, amassing 401 runs from 12 matches at an astonishing strike rate of 205.
“Our support staff and Pat (Cummins), the way they think, I have never seen anyone else think like that,” Sharma said after Hyderabad’s record 10-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants. “They’re like, ‘Go out there and express yourself. Play as aggressively as you can, we’ll back you.’ I think that matters a lot.”
Sharma’s aggressive approach has paid dividends, as he has hit 35 sixes so far, the highest by any batter this season. Along with Travis Head, Sharma has rewritten the record for the quickest chase of 150-plus in T20 cricket, scaling down 166 in just 9.4 overs.
Sharma credits his success to the approach he adopted during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he played a key role in Punjab’s domestic T20 title win last season. “I feel when I play this way, look at the ball, and react, my shots come off better and the bowler comes under pressure,” he said.
Sharma has been particularly impressed by Head’s ability to play spin. “I don’t think anyone plays spin better than Travis,” he said. “The shots he hit off (Krishnappa) Gowtham, normally batters can’t do that, that shows how special he is.”
Sharma and Head have formed a formidable partnership, smashing several batting records this season. Sharma believes their understanding and friendship off the pitch have contributed to their success.
Against the LSG bowlers, Sharma and Head had a specific strategy for dealing with the cutters. “They were bowling cutters in the middle,” Sharma said. “I thought the cutters could slow down on their way, but Travis and I had planned to play it the way you would hit a spinner with the spin.”
Sharma’s success in the IPL is a testament to the support he has received from the Hyderabad think-tank and his own aggressive approach. He will be looking to continue his impressive form as Hyderabad aim to make a strong push for the playoffs.
