In 2024, Abhishek Sharma has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in T20 cricket, with a jaw-dropping strike rate of 197.0. His stellar performances, particularly in the IPL and domestic circuits, have placed him among the top rising stars of Indian cricket. His explosive batting style and ability to dismantle even the best bowling attacks have not only impressed fans but also garnered attention from selectors and former players alike.
Sharma’s journey to this point has been one of perseverance and growth. A former U-19 World Cup player, he had initially struggled to live up to the expectations set by his peers like Shubman Gill and Prithvi Shaw. Despite his talent, Sharma’s transition to senior cricket was slow, and his early years in the IPL saw him faltering under pressure. He was first signed by Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2018, but he didn’t manage to secure a consistent place in the squad, which affected his confidence and form.
However, the Sunrisers Hyderabad franchise took a chance on him, giving Sharma another opportunity to prove himself. It was in IPL 2022 when Sharma finally showed glimpses of his immense potential, scoring 426 runs at a respectable strike rate. Though he had a quiet season in 2023, it was his domestic form leading up to IPL 2024 that saw a resurgence in his career. Sharma became the second-highest run-scorer in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scoring 485 runs and proving that he had fine-tuned his game. This performance set the stage for a breakthrough IPL season in 2024.
Abhishek Sharma’s 2024 IPL season with Sunrisers Hyderabad has been nothing short of spectacular. His blistering knock against Mumbai Indians, where he smashed the fastest 50 in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s history (off just 16 balls), set the tone for his season. This particular inning saw him decimate Mumbai’s bowling attack, eventually finishing with 63 off just 23 balls. It was a knock that highlighted Sharma’s fearless approach, his ability to read the game, and his knack for accelerating in critical moments.
This year, he consistently demonstrated an ability to dominate the powerplay and take advantage of field restrictions, while also managing to keep his cool in the middle overs. His improved ability to clear the boundary ropes with ease has been a testament to his hard work in refining his technique and strength. Sharma credits his family for much of his motivation, especially during matches when they are present in the stands.
His explosive strike rate of 197.0 in 2024 is particularly significant when looking at his role as a top-order batsman. Maintaining such a high strike rate over a significant number of innings is no small feat, indicating not just moments of brilliance, but a consistent ability to dominate opposition bowlers. Abhishek has now become a key figure in SRH’s lineup, with Sunrisers Hyderabad showing great faith in him despite past inconsistencies. His rise this year also puts him in contention for a spot in the Indian national T20 side, especially as India looks to build a strong squad for future international tournaments.
At just 23, Sharma has already shown his versatility as an all-rounder by contributing valuable overs with his left-arm spin, which has given his team more flexibility in the lineup. His ability to perform with both bat and ball makes him an asset not just for Sunrisers Hyderabad but potentially for India’s future T20 ambitions.
Sharma’s rise to prominence, especially in 2024, is a lesson in resilience. Many talented cricketers, after a few initial setbacks, might fade away, but Abhishek Sharma’s dedication and constant desire to improve have allowed him to make the most of his opportunities. His dominating performances have certainly made him one of the players to watch out for in the coming years. If his current form continues, it won’t be surprising to see him don the Indian jersey more frequently, representing the country in T20 internationals and possibly, in future World Cup campaigns.
In conclusion, 2024 has been a breakout year for Abhishek Sharma, with his T20 performances placing him at the top of the charts. His rapid strike rate, ability to play big shots under pressure, and newfound consistency have turned him into one of the most exciting prospects in Indian cricket. His journey from an underperforming youngster to a star player is a testament to his perseverance and skill, and the future looks bright for this young dynamo.