Abhishek Sharma, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) opener and World No. 1 T20I batter, has spoken about the impact of colleague Travis Head on his batting technique, explaining how the Australian's aggressive outlook has molded his own game in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Abhishek stated that he had been following Head's performances even before the Australian joined SRH and was delighted to share the changing room with him.

"I had been following Travis Head's game for a year and a half before he joined SRH. I was happy when he became my teammate. The first thing I asked him was about his batting mindset. I admire how he performs in all three formats and dominates the bowling,” Abhishek said on JioHotStar.

Abhishek revealed that Head shared a straightforward batting philosophy, which has since influenced his own intent at the crease. The young hitter went on to say that he now takes a similarly aggressive stance at the top of the order.

“He told me his plan is simple: watch the ball closely, and if you feel you can hit the first delivery, go for it." I followed his advice in my practice before the IPL. Now, if the ball is in my slot, I look to hit it from the first ball," Abhishek said.

Sharma also opened up on his experience of playing in the cash-rich Indian Premier League.

"The IPL brings together the best cricketers from around the world. It is the number one T20 league. Getting an opportunity to play here feels like a blessing. I treat every IPL season as a learning experience. Playing alongside and against these top players teaches you so much,” he added.

Abhishek has been brilliant for SRH this season, with 380 runs to his name, and is the second-highest run-getter this season behind Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who has scored 400 runs.

Sharma has registered one century and three half-centuries so far, maintaining an impressive strike rate of 212.29 along with a strong average of 54.29, highlighting his explosive form in the competition.

(ANI inputs)