On April 13, 2025, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) opener Abhishek Sharma delivered a stunning performance that will be remembered in the annals of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He scored his maiden IPL century against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, amassing an impressive 141 runs off just 55 balls. His innings was nothing short of explosive, featuring 14 boundaries and 10 sixes, and achieving a remarkable strike rate of 256.36.
This remarkable feat came at a critical juncture for SRH, who were desperate to break a four-match losing streak. Abhishek’s sensational knock played a pivotal role in helping his team chase down a daunting target of 246 set by PBKS, leading to an eight-wicket victory. This win not only marked SRH's second victory of the season but also lifted them from the bottom of the points table to eighth place.
During the post-match presentation, Abhishek expressed his gratitude towards his mentors, particularly legendary cricketer Yuvraj Singh and Mumbai Indians’ star Suryakumar Yadav, who provided him with invaluable support. "We did not talk about anything specific; we just wanted to express ourselves and play the natural game. This knock is very special for me. I was thinking about breaking the losing streak, and as a youngster, it was tough. But the mood in the team was fantastic," Abhishek reflected while receiving the Player of the Match award.
In addition to his batting prowess, Abhishek also made headlines with his unique celebration after reaching his century. He revealed that he had written a note earlier that day saying, "THIS ONE IS FOR ORANGE ARMY," which he proudly displayed to the crowd after his milestone. "I wrote it today only because usually I wake up and write something. So, today I got a random thought that if I do something today, that will be for the Orange Army. So, luckily, I thought today was my day," he explained.
Abhishek’s journey to this moment was not without its challenges. He admitted to being ill for four days prior to the match, which made his performance even more remarkable. "I was sick for four days. I had a temperature. But luckily, I feel I am very grateful to have people like Yuvraj Singh and Suryakumar around me because they were the ones who were continuously calling me," he said.
Reflecting on his partnership with Travis Head, who also played a crucial role in the match, Abhishek noted, "There was nothing going on between us when we were at the pitch. It was just watching the ball and playing your game. Because whenever we played as partners or did something for the team, it’s always been on the winning side." Their synergy at the crease was a testament to their understanding and communication, which proved vital in securing the win.
As for the IPL season, SRH's victory has provided them with much-needed momentum as they prepare for their next challenge against the Mumbai Indians (MI) on April 17 at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. With the team now positioned eighth in the IPL 2025 points table, they are looking to capitalize on this victory to build a winning streak.
Abhishek's performance has not only earned him accolades but has also placed him among the elite in IPL history. He broke KL Rahul’s record for the highest individual score by an Indian in IPL history, and his 141 runs are now the third-highest overall. His achievement has sparked excitement among fans and pundits alike, who see a bright future for the young cricketer.
In the broader context of the IPL season, Abhishek’s 141 runs included a remarkable 106-meter six, which has been recorded as one of the longest sixes of IPL 2025 so far. This showcases not just his ability to score runs but also his power-hitting capabilities, placing him among the top distance hitters in the tournament.
As the IPL continues, Abhishek Sharma's story is one of resilience, talent, and the power of mentorship. His ability to bounce back from adversity and deliver under pressure is a quality that many young cricketers aspire to emulate. With the support of experienced players like Yuvraj Singh and Suryakumar Yadav, Abhishek is poised to become a key player not just for SRH but for Indian cricket as a whole.
As the team gears up for their next match against MI, fans are eager to see if Abhishek can replicate his phenomenal performance and continue to lead SRH to success in this year’s IPL.
