Abhishek Sharma pips Virat Kohli in six-hitting competition, leaves Sehwag and Cummins speechless

Abhishek Sharma’s consistency and his power-hitting has left his Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper Pat Cummins and former India opener Virender Sehwag speechless.

On Sunday, he blazed away to a 28-ball 66 in SRH’s four-wicket win over Punjab Kings. The youngster has scored 467 runs at the strike rate of 209.41, the most by any batsmen in the ongoing tournament.

With 41 sixes to his name already in this year’s IPL, the 23-year-old has broken the record of Virat Kohli by hitting the most number of sixes by an Indian in the tournament history. Kohli has smashed 38 sixes in the IPL 2016, and in this current season the RCB opener has hit 37 maximums and he is second in the list after Abhishek.

Abhishek Sharma of Sunrisers Hyderabad plays a shot during match 57 of the Indian Premier League season 17 (IPL 2024) between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants held at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad on the 8th May 2024. (Sportzpics)

Leading six-hitters in the IPL history

Praise from Cummins and Sehwag

“Abhishek is amazing. I wouldn’t want to bowl to him. It’s scary as he plays with freedom, not only against pacers but also against spinners,” Pat Cummins had said at the post-match presentation.

Abhishek’s consistency has also left former India opener Virender Sehwag in awe.

“I love his fearless approach,” Sehwag said on Cricbuzz.

Sunrisers Hyderabad batter Abhishek Sharma celebrates his half century during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 T20 cricket match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians, at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Uppal, in Hyderabad, Wednesday, March 27, 2024. (PTI Photo)

“He has played an excellent knock again. What has impressed me the most is his consistency. Because with a youngster you don’t expect it. Yes, they would perform in one or two games but Abhishek has been consistent throughout the tournament and has maintained his strike rate as well.

“Not many players can hit 28-balls 66. He is leading the six-hitting chart as well. He looks stylish as well,” said Sehwag.

Lara’s support

Abhishek has maintained that he has been massively benefitted after working with batting great Brian Lara, who was involved with the franchise in the past.

“I have done some work with him, he’s in touch. That’s helping me now,” Abhishek said.

His fifty came off 21 balls, the slowest of the three half-centuries he has made this season, summing up his belligerence. Abhishek’s previous two fifties came off 16 balls versus Mumbai Indians and 19 balls against Lucknow Super Giants.

“My days are going good so I should utilise it for my team. I wanted to contribute as the target was big today.
“I think I have told this before, during Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy I was clear how I was going to play and dominate in the IPL.

“I’m just waiting for the loose balls, I am going hard against them and trying to put them (bowlers) under pressure,” Abhishek added.

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