With a strike rate of 209.41 this IPL season, Abhishek Sharma on Sunday received the biggest compliment of his life when key pacer Pat Cummins said he wouldn’t like to bowl at the explosive left-hander because “it’s scary”. In the ongoing edition of the league, Abhishek has put fear in the minds of bowlers, including Cummins, his captain at Sunrisers Hyderabad. He scored a 28-ball 66 in SRH’s four-wicket victory over Punjab Kings. The young left-hander hit six sixes and five fours as SRH smashed Punjab Kings’ target of 215 with five balls to spare.
“He (Abhishek) is incredible. I wouldn’t want to bowl to him. It’s scary because he bowls with freedom, not just against pacers but also against spinners,” the Australian fast bowler said in the post-match presentation.
The 23-year-old, who represents Punjab at the national level, has been in phenomenal form this season, scoring 467 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of almost 210, while hitting 39 sixes and 35 fours.
Cummins also praised Nitish Reddy, who made a crucial 25-ball 37 while batting at number four.
“Nitish is a classy player, mature beyond his years, he seems to sum up the game very well, he is perfect for our top category,” he said.
“It’s been great and amazing. I didn’t know many guys coming into this season, but we played some great cricket and had a lot of fun. A great group of guys,” added Cummins.
The victory kept SRH on track to finish in the top two, which will give them an extra opportunity to reach the final.
“We won five out of seven matches here, it was great and amazing. It’s really rewarding and exciting. I’ve never played finals before, we’re playing really good cricket, excited about what’s to come,” Cummins said.
Lara’s batting tips helping me: Abhishek
Abhishek said he benefited a lot after working with big hitter Brian Lara, who was involved with the franchise in the past.
“I worked with him a little, he is in contact. This is helping me now,” said Abhishek.
His fifty was in 21 balls, the slowest of the three half-centuries he has made this season, summing up his belligerence.
Abhishek’s two previous fifties were off 16 balls against Mumbai Indians and 19 balls against Lucknow Super Giants.
“My days are going well, so I should utilize it for my team. I wanted to contribute because the goal was big today.
“I think I have told you this before, during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, I was sure of how I was going to play and dominate the IPL.
“I am just waiting for loose balls, I am coming hard against them and trying to put them (the bowlers) under pressure,” Abhishek added.
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