Abhishek Sharma starred with the bat in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) commanding 47-run victory over Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Tuesday (April 21).
The swashbuckling left-handed opener smashed 135* off 68 balls with 10 fours and as many sixes, propelling SRH to a massive 242/2 in 20 overs. Heinrich Klaasen (37* off 13), Ishan Kishan (25 off 23) and Travis Head (37 off 26) also made handy contributions with the bat.
The Sunrisers bowling unit, led by Eshan Malinga's four-wicket haul (4-32), then restricted DC to 195/9.
After earning the Player-of-the-Match award, Abhishek reflected on his innings, saying that he and Travis had a set plan to utilize the powerplay, but had to adapt when the pitch proved slower than expected.
“The way we started, I felt we had a plan. Me and Heady, obviously, with the powerplay, that we want to use the powerplay. But when we went in the wicket, I think it was a bit slow. So we have to be, re-plan it again and we had that match-ups in our mind. So I was just wanted to utilize the powerplay as I always do and always try. And it's just, it's just always been special moment scoring in this special ground. And that also I've said in the previous interview as well, you don't know the par score till you play the 20 over[s], that was in my mind. I just wanted to entertain the crowd. That's it,” Sharma said at the post-match presentation.
The southpaw credited the SRH management for giving him the freedom to express himself, noting that the 2024 season was a "game-changer" due to the team's genuine desire to win and develop young players.
“It's a special mention to the team coaches and captain when they give you that situation that you can just go and express yourself. I feel as a young player, three years back, probably that was there in my mind. I always wanted to show my talent, whatever I have in the powerplay or probably all the bowlers. But you have to have the backing from the captain and the coach. That's very important in the team. So I felt that the environment we had in the Sunrisers in 2024 was a game-changer for all of us because it wasn't just the team, it felt like they actually wanted to win and grow the youngsters. So that was the plan. And I always wanted to play like this, in my Punjab team as well. If you've seen the Punjabi players, they always enjoy this freedom. And of course, playing in the Hyderabad has always felt like that,” he added.
Abhishek Sharma also opened up on his "L" celebration, saying that it is a tribute to the stadium and the fans, specifically showing love to them for their constant support.
“I've been doing this L celebration for quite long. It's just love for the stadium, the way they support us throughout all the tournament and all the games, even back at the hotel as well. It's just I want to contribute from my side that I want to show some love to them,” he stated.
Abhishek dedicated the performance to his parents, who were present at the venue, and his sister, who missed the game due to an infection.
“My parents are here. It's a very special moment. And my sister is missing today because she had some infection. So this is for you as well,” he remarked.
Abhishek further explained how his father continues to influence his game even now. “To be very honest, I don't know how since U12 days, my dad's been sitting next to the screen always and in Hyderabad as well, he's always sitting there. And whenever I'm just on the non-striker end, he always tells me how to play. So it's still going on. And next time, just I want one of the cameras to just go to him and just see his reactions. It's going to be really fun. And it's actually incredible that how I always look at him and he's always looking at me and giving me the instructions. So that also helps me a bit. And of course, it's always special to perform in front of the parents and the friends as well,” he concluded.
