Abhishek Sharma Faces Challenges Amid IPL 2025 Season

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 unfolds, all eyes are on the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and their emerging star, Abhishek Sharma. The young cricketer, who has become a vital part of the Indian cricket team's strategy leading up to the 2026 T20 World Cup, is receiving guidance from none other than cricket legend Yuvraj Singh. Yuvraj's father, Yograj Singh, recently shared insights about the mentorship and discipline that Abhishek has received from his son.

Yograj Singh emphasized the importance of controlling Abhishek's nightlife, saying, "When Abhishek was playing, I said if you could control his nightlife, Yuvraj did exactly that, and did not let him go here and there. He kept the shoes in his hands...the slippers that he talks about...so he turned out okay. Wild horses need to be tamed by catching their hair firmly." This advice reflects the commitment Yuvraj has shown in nurturing Abhishek's talent, especially during the COVID lockdown when he housed both Abhishek and fellow cricketer Shubman Gill to ensure they trained properly.

Abhishek's performance in the IPL has been nothing short of spectacular. In the 2024 season, he amassed 484 runs in 16 innings with a striking average of 204.21, showcasing his explosive batting style. His partnership with Travis Head was particularly noteworthy, and after making his international debut, he has already scored two centuries in 17 T20Is, averaging 33.43 with a strike rate of 193.84. Former SRH captain Kane Williamson praised Abhishek's ability to change his shots at the last moment while still generating immense power, calling it a "superpower" that not many possess.

However, the IPL 2025 season has had its ups and downs for Abhishek. In Match 7 against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on March 27, 2025, he faced a challenging outing. Shardul Thakur, bowling for LSG, dismissed Abhishek and Ishan Kishan on consecutive deliveries, marking a rough start for SRH in that match. Abhishek fell for just 6 runs, caught by Nicholas Pooran, while Kishan went out for a golden duck, edging a delivery to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant.

Despite this setback, Abhishek's potential remains undeniable. David Warner, the former Australian cricketer and SRH player, predicted that Abhishek would score a century in the match against LSG, building anticipation among fans. Warner also expressed confidence in fellow teammate Travis Head, predicting he would score a half-century off just 20 balls.

In a previous match against the Rajasthan Royals, Abhishek managed to score only 24 runs, but that did not overshadow his impressive track record. Earlier in March 2024, he won the Player of the Match award for a blistering 23-ball 63 against the Mumbai Indians, where he also set a record for the fastest fifth by an SRH batter, reaching the milestone in just 16 balls. Yuvraj's humorous yet critical response to that innings included a playful threat of a 'chappal' (slipper), emphasizing the high expectations he has for Abhishek.

As the IPL progresses, Abhishek continues to be a focal point for SRH. The franchise retained him for INR 14 crore for the 2025 season, reflecting their belief in his capabilities. His sister, Komal Sharma, a cardiologist at Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad, surprised him after a match against RR, showcasing the support he has from his family as he navigates the pressures of professional cricket.

Off the field, the IPL 2025 has been buzzing with various stories. For instance, Ravichandran Ashwin played a game of chess against Grand Master D Gukesh, while Punjab Kings players celebrated a win with a dance in the dressing room. These lighter moments contrast the intense competition on the pitch.

As SRH prepares for their next match against LSG, fans are eager to see how Abhishek will respond after a challenging outing. With the guidance of Yuvraj Singh and the support of his teammates and family, he is determined to bounce back and prove his worth as one of the league's brightest talents.