IPL 2024: In a League of His Own, Abhishek Sharma Carves His Niche

IPL 2024: Numerous uncapped Indian batters are battling for recognition, but Abhishek Sharma has outshone everyone.

IPL 2024: Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Abhishek Sharma is a hitter like no other & a threat to bowlers.

Image: BCCI/Altered by the Quint

Amongst the plethora of uncapped Indian batters who are playing in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL 2024), Sunrisers Hyderabad's Abhishek Sharma has outshone everyone.

What sets him apart from his contemporaries? Perhaps it's the array of skills he possesses, a rarity among young cricketers in today's era.

Experts reckon his six hitting abilities are a “real threat” for the opposition. With Head’s arrival in the XI, Abhishek was initially being sent out to bat at number 3. However, Mayank Agarkar's troublesome form provided him with the opportunity to open, and the result could not have been better.

However, the 23-year-old's versatility allows him to slot into any position in the batting order. Additionally, his less-utilised skill should not be overlooked – the Punjab cricketer is also capable of rolling his arm over to bowl a few overs of handy left-arm orthodox spin.

Impact in IPL 2024

In 12 innings in IPL 2024, the SRH opener has amassed an impressive total of 401 runs at a staggering strike rate of 205.64. The southpaw has notched up 30 boundaries and an astounding 35 maximums, establishing himself as the leading six-hitter of the season.

32 off 19, 63 off 23, 37 off 12, 46 off 12, 31 off 13 and 75* off 28 – these are some of the power-packed knocks of Abhishek which made him being regarded as the Indian prototype of Travis Head, built with the solitary purpose of destroying opponents' bowling in the powerplay overs.

Abhishek Sharma's power-hitting prowess has people tout him for the Indian prototype of the explosive Australian batter Travis Head.

Image: BCCI

Abhishek's pivotal role at the top of the order has been instrumental in Sunrisers Hyderabad's resurgence this season. His aggressive batting alongside Head has laid the foundation for the team's success, reflected in their remarkable turnaround. Currently occupying the third spot with 7 wins from 12 games, their performance this season starkly contrasts with their 10th place finish last year, where they managed just 4 wins in 12 matches.

Stellar Domestic Season

Those who have been following the domestic competitions of India are unlikely to be surprised by Abhishek's exploits for Hyderabad. He had amassed 485 runs at an impressive strike rate of 192.46 in the 2023/24 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Named Player of the Tournament, he notched up two centuries and three half-centuries in just 10 matches, while also hitting 35 fours and 39 sixes that culminated in Punjab's maiden triumph.

The Yuvi Effect

Honing his skills under the tutelage of India’s white-ball batting legend Yuvraj Singh has been pivotal in Abhishek’s performances. The Punjab batter had undergone rigorous training sessions during the off-season, focusing on refining his batting skills. Yuvraj's fine-tuning of Abhishek's technique has significantly shaped his performance on the field.

“It is all the hard work I have put before this. Special thanks to my dad, Yuvi paaji and Brian Lara,” he said after his unbeaten 75-run knock against Lucknow Super Giants.

Abhishek had undergone rigorous training sessions during the off-season under Yuvraj Singh, former Indian all-rounder.

Image: Instagram

Mentor Yuvraj Singh has endorsed his mentee's potential for international cricket. Advising him to maintain patience and consistency.

After the World Cup, he should be prepared to play for India. That is what he should focus on. Coming six months will be very important for Abhishek.

Yuvraj Singh

Previously, Yuvraj had emphasised the importance of mastering strike rotation and playing smartly against quality bowlers.

He has the ability to play big shots, the big sixes which he has been hitting are very good, but I think he has to learn to take singles and know how to rotate strike. He has to learn to play out the bowlers who are bowling well and target other bowlers. I think work has to be done on that aspect.

Yuvraj Singh

Working With Brian Lara

Legendary West Indies batter Brain Lara worked with Abhishek Sharma during his coaching tenure at Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2022 and 2023

Image: BCCI

Brian Lara, the former West Indies cricketing legend, who closely mentored Abhishek Sharma during his coaching tenure at Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2022 and 2023, credits Abhishek's innate talent as the cornerstone of his success.

Lara remarked, "The foundation of Abhishek's success thus far lies in his natural ability. He possesses an immense amount of talent. During my two years coaching him at SRH, I focused primarily on enhancing his mental resilience, and I am pleased to see signs of improvement in that aspect."