Harry Brook slammed his maiden IPL century to script Sunrisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) comprehensive 23-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Eden Gardens on Friday (April 14).

Opening the innings, Brook smashed 100* off 55 balls, propelling his team to a mammoth 228/4 in 20 overs. His knock was studded with 12 fours and 3 sixes.

After the game, SRH all-rounder Abhishek Sharma heaped praise on Harry Brook, saying that the England batter’s style of playing Test cricket and T20 cricket is almost similar.

“Everyone in the team believed he could do this from the beginning but it was just a matter of time for him because as a player also we played together in U-19, I have seen him so we all knew he’d do something like this very soon,” quoted Abhishek during the post-match press conference.

Recalling his U-19 days with Brook, Abhishek Sharma further said: “We had a series against England and we were captains of our teams at that time so we played together that time. But if you see his innings in Test also it’s almost the same as T20.”

“He was telling this to everyone too. He (Harry Brook) just reacts to the ball and plays his natural game in whatever the situation is. He did really good.”

“He is a clean hitter and has a clear mindset which is very important for a player. He didn’t play well in the first three games but he was normal with everyone and I think that’s the best thing about him,” he added.

Commenting on SRH’s decision to open with Harry Brook, Abhishek said, “Brook can take down any pace attack so that was the plan eventually. I was injured in between so we decided to back Brook against pacers and I think that was a really good decision by the coach and the management.”

Abhishek Sharma, who usually bats at the top, came out to bat at No. 5 against KKR and produced a blistering cameo of 17-ball 32 with 3 fours and 2 sixes.

Talking about his own batting position, the 22-year-old said, “After getting back from the injury I was practicing and I knew that I have to be flexible. We had played a couple of matches and Harry couldn’t perform in those so it was Brian’s (SRH Head Coach Brian Lara) idea to open with him and he thought I can take on the spinners.”

“KKR have the best spinners in the IPL and it was just a strategic decision for this game and not a permanent one,” he added.

Sunrisers Hyderabad will next face Mumbai Indians at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Tuesday (April 18).

(The Indian Express Inputs)