Abhishek Sharma, the young opening batter for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), has been a revelation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The 23-year-old left-hander from Punjab has been firing on all cylinders, amassing 401 runs from 12 matches at an impressive strike rate of 205. His aggressive batting style has been a significant factor in his success, and he credits this to the freedom given by his captain, Pat Cummins.
Abhishek Sharma on Pat Cummins’ backing in IPL 2024
Sharma’s aggressive approach was not an overnight transformation but a well-planned strategy. He revealed that he decided to adopt this approach during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2023. He believes that when he plays aggressively, his shots come off better, and it puts the bowlers under pressure.
The backing from Cummins and the SRH support staff has been instrumental in Sharma’s success. Cummins’ leadership style, which encourages players to express themselves freely on the field, has boosted Sharma’s confidence. The SRH management’s faith in Sharma’s abilities has allowed him to play his natural game without any inhibitions.
“I think this approach was something I took on during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. I feel when I play this way, look at the ball, and react, my shots come off better and the bowler comes under pressure. I always thought if I play in the IPL, I’ll try to maintain this. Our support staff and Pat (Cummins), the way they think, I have never seen anyone else think like that. 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,” Abhishek Sharma said on JioCinema.
Sharma’s aggressive batting has not only benefited him personally but has also positively impacted the team’s performance. His explosive starts have provided SRH with momentum in the powerplay overs, putting the opposition under pressure from the onset.
Pat Cummins said "Abhishek Sharma is just an incredible player of spin & pace". pic.twitter.com/NDT1o6kPAs
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 8, 2024
Sharma’s partnership with Australian opener Travis Head has been particularly destructive. The duo has broken several records in IPL 2024, including registering the highest powerplay score in the history of the tournament and chasing down the highest target without losing any wickets. Sharma’s admiration for Head’s spin-playing skills and their off-field friendship have contributed to their successful partnership.
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