Abhishek Sharma credits SRH captain Pat Cummins and support staff for success in IPL 2024

Abhishek Sharma, the dynamic opener for Sunrisers Hyderabad, has attributed much of his impressive performance in the ongoing IPL season to the unyielding support from team captain Pat Cummins and the entire management team. The 23-year-old Punjab left-hander has been in spectacular form, amassing 401 runs in just 12 matches at a phenomenal strike rate of 205.

Speaking after his team's remarkable 10-wicket victory over the Lucknow Super Giants, Abhishek shared insights on JioCinema Match Centre Live about the unique approach promoted within the team. "Our support staff and Pat (Cummins), the way they think, I have never seen anyone else think like that," he expressed. He further added the motivational ethos encouraged by the team, "They're like, 'Go out there and express yourself. Play as aggressively as you can, we'll back you.' I think that matters a lot."

Abhishek's explosive batting, which includes hitting the highest number of sixes this season at 35, partnered with Travis Head in the fastest chase of a 150-plus target in T20 cricket. Together, they achieved the target of 166 in just 9.4 overs, with Abhishek scoring an unbeaten 75 from 28 balls and Head an unbeaten 89 from 30 balls. This performance not only secured the win but also set a record for the highest total by any team by the end of the tenth over in men's T20s with a score of 167.

Reflecting on his batting philosophy, Abhishek discussed the origins of his aggressive playing style. "I think this approach was something I took on during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy," he mentioned, referring to his significant contribution to Punjab's victory in the domestic T20 championship last season. Abhishek was the second-highest run-scorer in last season's SMAT, accumulating 485 runs in 10 matches.

Abhishek also praised his teammate Travis Head, especially for his exceptional skill against spin bowling. "I don't think anyone plays spin better than Travis. The shots he hit off (Krishnappa) Gowtham, normally batters can't do that, that shows how special he is," he remarked. He highlighted their growing partnership, both on and off the field, "He's very clear, whenever I talk to him, the way he compliments me, I have always been a big fan of him over the last year that I have followed him."

On their strategy against the Lucknow Super Giants, particularly against pace bowlers using cutters, Abhishek explained, "They were bowling cutters in the middle. I thought the cutters could slow down on their way, but Travis and I had planned to play it the way you would hit a spinner with the spin."

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(With PTI inputs)