Kolkata: In an era where six-hitting has become commonplace, Abhishek Sharma’s blistering knock of 79 off 34 balls at Eden Gardens on Wednesday offered a refreshing take on aggressive batting. Sharma’s ability to consistently clear the boundary with ease sets him apart, reaffirming his growing stature in T20 cricket.
A Six-Hitting Masterclass
Sharma’s innings was a display of controlled aggression and power, with 48 of his 79 runs coming from sixes. Of the 335 runs he has accumulated in T20 internationals so far, 270 have come through boundaries, including 27 sixes. Every time he scores more than 20 in T20Is, Sharma’s strike rate soars past 200, often leading India to victory.
This penchant for sixes was evident during his remarkable IPL 2024 season for Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he smashed 42 sixes compared to 36 fours, amassing 484 runs at an astounding strike rate of 204.22. Unlike many players who struggle to transition IPL form into international cricket, Sharma has seamlessly carried his confidence and role consistency into the national side.
Backing From the Management
Sharma credited his recent success to the unwavering support from the team management. Despite a lean patch last year, where he failed to cross 16 runs in seven innings, the backing from the coach and captain kept his confidence intact.
“The way the coach and captain have supported all players, even during bad patches, has been incredible,” Sharma said in a press conference. “When they tell you, ‘We know you’ll win a game for us, just go and express yourself,’ it boosts your confidence and allows you to play freely.”
Team-First Approach
Sharma also highlighted the importance of playing for the team, even at the risk of losing his place in a highly competitive Indian squad. “In India, there will always be competition in the senior team, but I’ve always believed in being a team player,” he said. Guidance from players like Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir has further reinforced his aggressive intent at the crease.
Orthodox Power-Hitting
Sharma’s innings against England was a validation of orthodox power-hitting in T20 cricket. On a batting-friendly pitch with short boundaries, Sharma relied on traditional cricket shots—pulls, hooks, and cuts—to dispatch six of his eight sixes between deep extra cover and fine leg. His shot selection and timing highlighted his ability to adapt to different lengths and utilize pace effectively.
Learning from Legends
Sharma credited his evolution as a batsman to working with cricketing legends like Yuvraj Singh, Brian Lara, and Gautam Gambhir. “Yuvi paaji, Brian Lara at SRH, and even Gauti bhai have all encouraged me to play my natural game and back myself,” Sharma said. He also acknowledged the role of coaches like Sitanshu Kotak and Abhishek Nayar in providing match-specific training during practice sessions.
A Simple Yet Effective Approach
Sharma’s approach to batting is straightforward: watch the ball, react, and play his shots. While this method may not work every time, when it does, Sharma ensures he maximizes the opportunity and goes the distance.
Sharma’s relentless attacking style, combined with his ability to adapt across formats, makes him a standout player in T20 cricket. As he continues to evolve, his performances promise to bring fresh excitement to India’s batting lineup.
