Abhishek Sharma

Abhishek Sharma, a tall left-handed batter with the added utility of left-arm spin, has steadily built a reputation as one of India’s most explosive young top-order players. His journey began in India’s age-group circuit, where he was a constant presence. Leading India U19 to the Youth Asia Cup title in 2016, Abhishek not only captained with distinction but also finished as the tournament’s second-highest wicket-taker. Two years later, he was part of the squad that stormed to victory at the 2018 ICC U19 World Cup in New Zealand. Throughout that campaign, he featured in every match, producing a crucial fifty in the quarterfinal against Bangladesh and playing a vital role in India’s spin attack.

Abhishek Sharma was India's captain for the Youth ODIs versus England at home in 2017, which India aced 3-1, until Prithvi Shaw replaced him at the helm for the return tour to England and continued so in the World Cup. On return from the World Cup, Sharma featured in the 2018 Vijay Hazare Trophy for his state Punjab. And before the WC, he debuted in the Ranji Trophy for Punjab carving out gutsy performances for his state side.

When the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) lost hope in their tried and tested combinations and became one of the first sides to fade away from the play-off race in 2018 edition of IPL, a 17-year old Abhishek Sharma made his debut in an inconsequential game for his side the mighty Royal Challengers Bangalore. Picked up for INR 55 lakh earlier in the year, Sharma proved his credentials almost instantly as the teenage all-rounder smashed a 19-ball 46 in his debut game that included a hat-trick of boundaries (one four and two sixes) against one of the most reputed bowlers in world cricket, Tim Southee.

Though he played just two games that season, his fearless stroke play caught immediate attention. So much so that when Sunrisers Hyderabad traded Shikhar Dhawan, Abhishek was one of the three players they insisted on acquiring. It was at SRH that his career truly began to blossom. Given continuity and his favored role as an opener, he flourished. In one season, he piled up 426 runs across 14 matches, laying the foundation for his breakout years to follow.

2024 proved to be a watershed. Partnering Travis Head at the top, Abhishek became the engine of SRH’s explosive batting. His blistering starts were central to a season where SRH repeatedly breached 200, and twice reset the record for the highest IPL total; first with 277, then with 287. Abhishek himself amassed 484 runs at a staggering strike-rate of 204.22, striking fear into opposition attacks and establishing himself as one of the most destructive openers in the league.

That season’s exploits fast-tracked his India call-up. Selected for the T20I series in Zimbabwe, Abhishek endured a forgettable debut as he was dismissed for a four-ball duck. But he bounced back in spectacular fashion in his second game, announcing himself on the international stage with a sparkling century.

A few months later, Abhishek Sharma carried his fearless approach into the international arena with another rollicking knock. Taking on England at the Wankhede, he blazed his way to a scintillating 135, a knock that not only showcased his range of strokes but also showed his ability to deliver against top-quality opposition. It was the kind of innings that silenced doubts and firmly established his credentials at the highest level.