The key to Abhishek Sharma’s accomplishments: Following the encounter between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings 10 days prior, a video went popular on social media. From the stands, Arshdeep Singh is seen pleading with Abhishek Sharma’s mother, “Give me the blessings which you give to Abhishek.” The same one is what I desire. Playing alongside Abhishek since their U-14 days, Arshdeep was speaking of his friend’s form and consistency this season.
Even though Mitch Starc’s gem in the championship game outclassed him, Abhishek hammered 484 runs at a strike rate of 204.02 in 16 innings. He made history by being the first batsman to amass more than 400 runs in an innings without even having to face 30 balls. The most deliveries he has faced, 28, came against the Lucknow Super Giants, where he chased down a 166-run mark in 9.4 overs while remaining undefeated at 75.
His father, who refrained from traveling to Chennai to see the summit showdown, shares how his son’s development has stoked a fire and hunger within of him and how he has come to understand the value of constancy.
“I’ve watched a number of his IPL matches over the years, and now that he’s making his India debut, I’ve promised him I’ll watch the game live. We both have that as our dream, Rajkumar Sharma says to The Indian Express.
“He had talent from the beginning. As you’ve undoubtedly heard numerous times, Yuvraj Singh has acknowledged that Abhishek surpasses him and that he recognizes a portion of himself in the latter. But there hasn’t always been constancy. His best friend Shubman (Gill)’s success has helped him realize it recently. Since their U-14 days, they have opened for Punjab, and he has been attentively observing Shubman’s ascent.
“Shubman received a reality check in the past two years after establishing himself in all three forms and Arshdeep Singh began making significant progress. “Papa itne mey nahi hoga” (This is not enough), is something I recall him saying. He realized that trying to impress selectors with two or three strong knocks in a single IPL season and the same in the local league would not help him gain their notice,” says Sharma Sr.
“At the Amritsar airport, prior to my departure for the Indian Premier League, he informed me, ‘You will be happy after seeing my batting this season.”
Rajkumar gives Yuvraj Singh credit for the effort the former Indian cricket player has done with Abhishek over the past four years. Rajkumar is currently constructing a cricket ground for his son in Amritsar.
“It began at the time of the Covid.” when Yuvraj arrived in Chandigarh to begin training Abhishek and Shubman. Yuvraj has slightly altered his batting posture over the past two seasons. Rajkumar Sharma says, “Abhishek has always had a strong backlift, but he used to bow down. Now, he stays still, which helps him produce more force.
The attraction for large crowds
The southpaw is referred to as the “crowdpuller” by Punjab coach Avishkar Salvi; all he needs is a free hand at the top.
“He has explosive talent, proper box office, and is a total paisa wasool.” You would love to pay to watch someone like him. Myself and Mandy (Mandeep Singh) discussed the need to maximize the powerplay with our openers, Abhishek and Prabhsimran, during the Syed Mushtaq Ali. Our MVP and eventual player of the tournament was Abhishek. He offers you that feeling of excitement even in the red ball, so forget about the white one. In the lengthier format, he batters like a left-handed Sehwag, according to Salvi.
The Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy was won by Punjab thanks in large part to Abhishek. He is the top batter in the tournament among those who have faced at least 120 balls, having scored 485 runs in 10 innings with a strike rate of 192.46.
Pat Cummins and Daniel Vettori of Sunrisers Hyderabad have given him permission to hit.
“There is no strain on him. He is having fun with his independence. “It doesn’t matter if he gets out on the first ball; Pat Cummins and the SRH team management have given him a free hand to go after the bowlers,” Abhishek’s father explains.
A true all-arounder
Abhishek bowled effectively in the first qualifier against the Rajasthan Royals, getting rid of Impact substitute Shimron Hetmyer for four and Royals skipper Sanju Samson for ten.
Later, Abhishek dedicated his bowling performance to his left-arm spinner father.
“My father, a left-arm spinner, will be overjoyed. He has been putting a lot of effort into my bowling,” Abhishek remarked. “I had a gut feeling that I could help my squad if I continued to improve my bowling. I have bowled a lot of cricket since I was in juniors. I had been anticipating this chance. It was difficult because my coach and captain had not seen me bowl much. I had to persuade them.
In an exclusive interview with this publication earlier in the year, Abhishek stated that he has an advantage over Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Yashasvi Jaiswal since he is a true all-rounder.
“I bowl better than any of them together! Not one of them bowls. I have the upper hand against them. Although there is rivalry, Abhishek has stated, “I want to win in both departments.” He is presently awaiting the call from India.
