Cricket

Navjot Singh Sidhu, the former cricketer and commentator, has praised Abhishek Sharma's performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Sidhu believes that Sharma has the potential to make a significant impact on the international stage.In Qualifier 2 of the IPL 2024, Sharma played a crucial role in Sunrisers Hyderabad's victory over Rajasthan Royals. The left-arm spin all-rounder took two wickets for 24 runs in four overs, helping to restrict Rajasthan to 164/7.Sharma's performance was particularly impressive considering that he had only bowled three overs in the entire tournament prior to the match. However, he showed remarkable control and accuracy, generating significant dip and turn with his deliveries.Sidhu was full of praise for Sharma after the match. "Yeh baccha taiyaar hai," he said on Star Sports. "He has the temperament to play in international cricket and he feels he belongs to the area. He is ready to make India proud."Sharma's performance in the IPL has been a breakout season for the 22-year-old. He has scored three fifties and amassed 482 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of 207.76. He has also taken seven wickets with his left-arm spin.Sharma's all-round ability has made him a valuable asset for Sunrisers Hyderabad. He has been used as a floater in the batting order, and his ability to bowl both spin and medium pace gives the team flexibility.If Sharma continues to perform at this level, he could soon be in contention for a place in the Indian team. He has the potential to be a valuable all-rounder for India in all three formats of the game.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) stormed into the final of IPL 2024 with a commanding 36-run victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) on the back of a remarkable bowling performance.Despite winning the toss and opting to chase, RR found themselves in a precarious position as SRH's bowlers turned the match on its head. The pitch, which initially appeared favorable for batting, transformed into a spinner's paradise, allowing SRH to exploit the conditions to their advantage.Shahbaz Ahmed, who was brought in as an Impact Player, played a pivotal role in SRH's resurgence. Bowling into the left-hander's hitting arc, he dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had raced to 41 off 19 balls. This dismissal sparked a collapse in the RR batting lineup.Abhishek Sharma, who had rarely bowled this season, was also brought into the attack and delivered with two crucial wickets. Aiden Markram, known primarily as a batter, also chipped in with an over, highlighting the versatility of SRH's bowling unit.Over a 33-ball period, SRH bowlers conceded no boundaries and claimed four wickets, effectively snuffing out RR's chase. Shahbaz Ahmed emerged as the star performer, finishing with impressive figures of 4-0-23-3.Heinrich Klaasen top-scored for SRH with a gritty 50, while Avesh Khan and Trent Boult were the pick of the RR bowlers with three wickets each.SRH's victory was a testament to their adaptability and the effectiveness of their bowling attack. They have now earned the right to face the winner of the other semi-final between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the final.

IPL's most formidable power-hitters, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, will face a formidable challenge in the form of seasoned spin twins Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin when Sunrisers Hyderabad takes on Rajasthan Royals in a high-stakes second Qualifier on Friday.Head and Sharma, affectionately known as "Travishek" by fans, have redefined power-hitting with their exceptional performances. Head has amassed 533 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 199.62, while Sharma has contributed 470 runs at an equally impressive strike rate of 207.04. Together, they have unleashed a barrage of 72 sixes and 96 boundaries.However, the Chepauk pitch, known for its slow and sticky nature, poses a different challenge for the power-hitters. The ball tends to stop and stroke-makers face difficulties in hitting through the line.Ashwin, a master of his craft at this ground, has an intimate understanding of the pitch's behavior. His form has also improved significantly towards the latter stages of the tournament. With the country's premier leg-spinner, Chahal, as his partner, Royals will be hoping to neutralize Head, Sharma, and their explosive teammate Heinrich Klaasen (413 runs at 180) early on.SRH's bowling attack will once again rely heavily on T Natarajan, their leading wicket-taker this season. Playing on his home turf, he will be eager to exploit the conditions. The experienced duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Pat Cummins also have a crucial role to play, especially since Kumar has been wicketless in his last two outings.SRH's weakness lies in their lack of quality spinners. Mayank Markande is considered mediocre at best, while Shahbaz Ahmed's primary skill is batting rather than bowling.In contrast, RR has found its rhythm after a five-game winless streak, thanks to a comprehensive performance against RCB. The top-order, particularly Yashasvi Jaiswal, displayed positive signs and will be keen to continue their form ahead of the T20 World Cup in the Americas.However, skipper Sanju Samson needs to improve his performance, having failed to cross the 20-run mark in his last three contests. Dhruv Jurel, in the middle order, will be under pressure after failing to reach double digits in his last two outings.The side will also rely on its Caribbean game-changers, Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell, for some of the power-hitting they showcased against RCB. Riyan Parag, who has been in impressive form this season, is another bankable batter for RR.

The evolution of Indian cricket is evident in the contrasting styles of Sunil Gavaskar and Abhishek Sharma. Gavaskar, a stalwart of the 1970s and 1980s, epitomized the cautious approach of a bygone era. His focus on survival and accumulation of runs in a risk-averse batting order defined the game for a generation.In contrast, Abhishek Sharma, a rising star of the Indian Premier League (IPL), represents a new breed of batter. His aggressive style, characterized by a high strike rate and a willingness to take risks, reflects the changing landscape of cricket.The shift from Gavaskar's defensive approach to Sharma's attacking mindset highlights the evolution of the game. The advent of T20 cricket, with its emphasis on quick scoring and entertainment, has transformed the way batters approach the game.Gavaskar's era was marked by a focus on saving the game and avoiding defeat. His batting style was tailored to this defensive mindset, with a high emphasis on technique and patience. In contrast, Sharma's approach is geared towards maximizing runs and putting pressure on the opposition.The difference in batting styles also reflects the changing expectations of fans. In Gavaskar's time, fans were content with a drawn game or a narrow defeat if the team had played with honor. Today, fans demand excitement and entertainment, and batters like Sharma cater to this demand.The success of Sharma and other young Indian batters in the IPL has raised questions about the selection criteria for the national team. While Gavaskar was selected for the national team at a young age, Sharma and his contemporaries have yet to break into the side.This discrepancy highlights the changing nature of cricket selection. In the past, selectors favored experienced players with a proven track record. Today, they are more willing to take risks on young players who have shown promise in the IPL.The evolution of Indian cricket from Gavaskar to Sharma is a testament to the changing nature of the game. The shift from a defensive to an attacking mindset, the rise of T20 cricket, and the changing expectations of fans have all contributed to this transformation.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the high-stakes Qualifier 1 of IPL 2024 at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday. Former India cricketer and cricket analyst Aakash Chopra has identified Abhishek Sharma as a key positive in SRH's batting lineup.SRH, led by Pat Cummins, finished the league phase second with 17 points from 14 games, narrowly edging out Rajasthan Royals on net run rate. Chopra praised Sharma's consistent performances and predicted a bright future for the young batter."Abhishek Sharma is the shining star. He comes and plays in a fearless and carefree manner. Sharma ji's son will be playing for India within 45 days," Chopra elaborated.Chopra emphasized Sharma's importance in the upcoming match, noting his ability to handle spin. "I feel Abhishek Sharma will open for India on the Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka tours. He plays extremely well and will have to play even better in this match because you will get Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy in the opposition," Chopra reasoned.Sharma has been a standout performer for SRH this season, amassing 467 runs at a striking rate of 209.41 in 13 innings. He is the second-highest run-scorer for the team behind Travis Head, who has scored 533 runs.Chopra also highlighted the contributions of other key batters in the SRH lineup. "Travis Head likes this pitch. He scored runs here in the World Cup final and defeated us very badly. Nitish Reddy is in very good form. Rahul Tripathi played well in the last match," he said.As SRH prepares to face KKR, the performance of their top order, particularly Abhishek Sharma, will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match.

Sunrisers Hyderabad emerged victorious in their final league match of IPL 2024, defeating Punjab Kings by 4 wickets in Hyderabad on Sunday. The match witnessed a heartwarming moment between Punjab Kings' bowler Arshdeep Singh and Sunrisers Hyderabad's Abhishek Sharma.Abhishek Sharma, the Man of the Match, played a pivotal role in the victory, smashing a blistering 28-ball 66, including 6 sixes and 5 fours. His heroics helped Sunrisers Hyderabad chase down Punjab Kings' total of 215 with 5 balls to spare.After the match, a video shared by Abhishek Sharma's sister went viral, capturing a touching moment between Arshdeep Singh and Abhishek's mother. Arshdeep, who hails from the same region as Abhishek, approached the stands and sought blessings from Abhishek's mother."Give me the blessings which you give to Abhishek, I want the same," Arshdeep said in Punjabi.Abhishek Sharma has been in exceptional form for Sunrisers Hyderabad, scoring 467 runs from 13 matches at an average of 38.92 and a strike rate of 209.42. He has hit the most number of sixes in this edition of the IPL (41) and will be looking to add to his tally when SRH takes on Kolkata Knight Riders in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday.Arshdeep Singh, on the other hand, has been a key performer for Punjab Kings, taking 19 wickets from 14 matches. He is currently third in the most wicket-takers list in this edition of the IPL and will be hoping to make a significant contribution with the ball in India's T20 World Cup campaign next month.The victory for Sunrisers Hyderabad sets up an exciting Qualifier 1 clash against Kolkata Knight Riders, while Punjab Kings will be hoping to bounce back in the Eliminator.

Sunrisers Hyderabad's Abhishek Sharma has emerged as a batting sensation in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. His unique 'L' celebration, made using his thumb and index finger, has become a symbol of his success and has sparked curiosity among fans.In a recent video shared by the IPL's official X handle, Sharma revealed the significance behind his celebration. "It is personal to us. It stands for love, we are spreading love," he explained. The gesture was initiated by Sharma and his opening partner, Travis Head.Sharma's celebration was on full display during SRH's thrilling victory over Punjab Kings on Sunday. He and Heinrich Klaasen led the team to a successful chase of 215, with Sharma smashing 66 off just 28 balls. His innings included five fours and six sixes, helping him set a new record for the most sixes by an Indian batter in a single IPL edition.With 41 sixes this season, Sharma has surpassed Virat Kohli's previous record of 38 sixes in 2016. He has also outperformed his SRH teammates Heinrich Klaasen (33 sixes) and Travis Head (31 sixes).Sharma's family has been a constant source of support throughout his career. "My whole family, except my father, is here. It is special to me if they are able to come here and see me, and celebrate with me in such moments," he said.In addition to his record-breaking six-hitting, Sharma has also been a consistent run-scorer for SRH. In 13 innings this season, he has scored 467 runs, ranking ninth among the highest run-scorers. He has recorded three half-centuries, with a top score of 75*.Sharma's impressive performances have not gone unnoticed. West Indies legend Chris Gayle, who holds the overall record for most sixes in a single IPL season (59 in 2012), has praised Sharma's batting prowess.As SRH continues its quest for a playoff berth, Sharma's contributions will be crucial. His unique 'L' celebration is a testament to his love for the game and his determination to spread joy through his performances.

Sunrisers Hyderabad's (SRH) remarkable success in IPL 2024 can be largely attributed to the exceptional performance of their opening pair, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma. Abhishek, in particular, has emerged as a formidable force, impressing legendary Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh with his aggressive batting style.In SRH's final league-stage match against Punjab Kings, Abhishek smashed his third half-century of the season, scoring a blistering 66 off 28 balls. His innings included five fours and six sixes, providing SRH with the quick start they needed after Head's early dismissal.Abhishek's consistent performances throughout the season have earned him high praise from Harbhajan, who believes he is on the verge of breaking into the Indian team. "He is not just knocking at the Indian team's door but almost breaking it open," said Harbhajan.Abhishek's impressive batting average of 467 runs in 13 innings, with a strike rate of 209.41, is a testament to his dominance. He has also hit a season-high 41 sixes, showcasing his power-hitting abilities."The kind of batting he has done in this entire season, I don't think any other youngster has played this well," added Harbhajan. "He has dominated with the bat. He hasn't bowled yet, which he is quite good at as well. He is a good allrounder."Abhishek's journey began with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2018, when he was just 17 years old. He also represented India's Under-19 team that won the U-19 World Cup in New Zealand the same year. In 2019, he joined the Sunrisers.One of Abhishek's most memorable performances this season was his 16-ball fifty against Mumbai Indians, the fastest ever by an SRH batsman. This innings played a crucial role in SRH's record-breaking 277-run total, the highest in IPL history."He was unhappy today because he had a hundred there on a platter. He missed it," said Harbhajan. "But the knocks he has played (so far this season), those have been impactful. He was a youngster when he made his Ranji debut for Punjab under me. I am so happy to see his progress, the way he has enhanced his performance. He is around that door to the Indian team now, one day he will enter it."

Abhishek Sharma, the explosive left-handed batsman from Punjab, has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season. His blistering batting has earned him high praise from none other than premier pacer Pat Cummins, who admitted that he would be reluctant to bowl to Sharma due to his intimidating presence at the crease.Sharma's exceptional performance this season has been a revelation. Batting at a strike rate of 209.41, he has amassed 467 runs from 13 matches, including 39 sixes and 35 fours. His ability to dominate both pacers and spinners has made him a nightmare for bowlers.In Sunrisers Hyderabad's recent four-wicket victory over Punjab Kings, Sharma blazed away to a 28-ball 66, hitting six sixes and five fours. His innings played a crucial role in SRH's successful chase of Punjab's target of 215.Cummins, Sharma's skipper at SRH, was full of admiration for his young teammate. "He (Abhishek) is amazing. I wouldn't want to bowl to him. It's scary as he plays with freedom, not only against pacers but also against spinners," Cummins said.Sharma's success this season can be attributed in part to his work with batting great Brian Lara, who was involved with the SRH franchise in the past. "I have done some work with him, he's in touch. That's helping me now," Sharma revealed.Sharma's aggressive approach at the crease is a reflection of his determination to make a mark in the IPL. "During Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, I was clear how I was going to play and dominate in the IPL," he said. "I'm just waiting for the loose balls, I am going hard against them and trying to put them (bowlers) under pressure."With SRH on course for a top-two finish, Sharma's contributions will be crucial in their quest for the IPL title. His fearless batting and ability to take on the opposition's best bowlers make him a valuable asset for his team.