Abhishek Sharma Rising Star of Indian Cricket

Indian cricket has always been blessed with young talents who have gone on to become global superstars. From Sachin Tendulkar in the 1990s to Virat Kohli in the 2000s, every generation has witnessed the rise of a fresh face who redefined the game.

In recent years, one such promising name making waves across domestic cricket, the Indian Premier League (IPL), and now the international stage is Abhishek Sharma.

Known for his aggressive batting, fearless stroke play, and all-round skills, Abhishek represents the new breed of cricketers who play without fear and with an eye on the future.

In this article, we take a detailed look at Abhishek Sharma’s journey, from his early beginnings to his rise in professional cricket, his playing style, achievements, and what the future holds for this young star.

Early Life and Background

Abhishek Sharma was born on 4 September 2000 in Amritsar, Punjab. From a very young age, he was deeply passionate about cricket. Growing up in a cricket-loving family,he was encouraged by his father, Raj Kumar Sharma, who himself played cricket at the local level. Abhishek’s natural flair for the game was evident early on, and his family played a huge role in supporting his ambitions.

He first came into the limelight during his school days when he represented Punjab in age-group cricket. His ability to dominate bowlers, coupled with his left-arm orthodox spin, made him a valuable all-rounder. Abhishek rose through the junior cricket circuit quickly and became a familiar name in India’s under-16 and under-19 cricket teams.

Breakthrough at the Under-19 Level

Abhishek Sharma’s big breakthrough came when he was selected to represent India in the 2018 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup held in New Zealand.

The Indian team, led by Prithvi Shaw and coached by the legendary Rahul Dravid, dominated the tournament and eventually lifted the trophy. Abhishek played a crucial role as an all-rounder, contributing with both bat and ball whenever the team needed him.

His performances during the tournament established him as a future star. More importantly, playing alongside talented youngsters like Shubman Gill, Prithvi Shaw, and Shivam Mavi gave him the exposure to international conditions at a young age. India’s victory in the Under-19 World Cup was a turning point for Abhishek, as it opened doors for him in professional cricket.

IPL Journey

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been the perfect platform for young cricketers to showcase their talent on the world stage. Abhishek Sharma was first picked by Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in the 2018 auction.

He made an instant impact in his debut season, scoring a blistering half-century off just 19 balls against Royal Challengers Bangalore. That innings not only introduced him to the cricketing world but also showcased his ability to handle pressure in high-stakes matches.

In 2019, he moved to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), a franchise where he gradually evolved as a dependable opener. Over the years, SRH placed their faith in his batting at the top of the order, and Abhishek repaid it with consistent performances. His ability to provide explosive starts in the powerplay overs became one of SRH’s key strengths.

By IPL 2022, Abhishek had firmly established himself as one of the most exciting young batters in the league. He scored over 400 runs in the season, including several match-winning innings, and became one of the highest run-scorers for his franchise. His fearless approach, clean hitting, and ability to take on spinners in the middle overs made him stand out.

International Debut

After years of consistent performances in domestic cricket and the IPL, Abhishek Sharma earned his maiden international call-up for India’s T20I squad in 2024. His debut was a moment of pride not only for him but also for his fans in Punjab and across the country.

He impressed in his initial matches with his aggressive batting style, often compared to players like Yuvraj Singh and Rishabh Pant. His ability to clear the boundaries with ease, combined with his part-time spin bowling, made him a handy all-rounder option for India in the shortest format of the game.

With India focusing on building a strong squad for the upcoming ICC tournaments, Abhishek is being groomed as one of the future stars who can carry the team’s batting lineup forward.

Playing Style and Strengths

Abhishek Sharma is a left-handed batter known for his attacking stroke play. He thrives in the powerplay overs, often taking on fast bowlers with fearless intent. His ability to hit sixes effortlessly, especially against spinners, makes him a dangerous batter in T20 cricket.

Apart from his batting, Abhishek is also a left-arm orthodox spinner, providing balance to his team. Though not primarily a bowler, he can deliver crucial overs and break partnerships when required. His fielding is another asset, as he is quick on the field and athletic in saving runs.

Key strengths of Abhishek Sharma include:

Explosive batting at the top of the order.
Ability to adapt to different formats.
Confidence against both pace and spin.
Useful left-arm spin option.
Strong temperament under pressure.

Domestic Cricket Performances

While the IPL and international cricket have given him fame, Abhishek has also been consistent in domestic cricket. Representing Punjab in the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, he has scored crucial runs in the longer formats as well. His adaptability to red-ball cricket shows that he is not just a T20 specialist but also a player capable of excelling in all three formats.

Comparisons and Inspirations

As a left-handed batter from Punjab, many have drawn comparisons between Abhishek Sharma and Yuvraj Singh, one of India’s greatest limited-overs match-winners. While such comparisons bring added expectations, Abhishek has handled them with maturity. He has often spoken about how Yuvraj’s journey inspires him and how he wants to create his own legacy in Indian cricket.

Future Prospects

At just 24 years of age, Abhishek Sharma has a long career ahead of him. His performances in the IPL and early international outings have already made him a household name among cricket fans. With India constantly looking to groom young talents for future ICC tournaments, Abhishek is likely to play a big role, especially in T20 cricket.

If he continues to develop his batting in ODIs and Tests, he has the potential to become a three-format player for India. Given his work ethic, talent, and fearless approach, many believe Abhishek could be the next big superstar of Indian cricket.

Conclusion

Abhishek Sharma’s journey from the streets of Amritsar to representing India on the global stage is a story of talent, hard work, and determination. With his aggressive batting, handy bowling, and youthful energy, he represents the fearless attitude of modern cricket.

Still in the early stages of his international career, Abhishek has already shown that he belongs at the highest level. If he continues to work hard and stay consistent, there is little doubt that he will become one of the pillars of Indian cricket in the coming decade.

For fans, Abhishek Sharma is not just another young player – he is a symbol of India’s rich cricketing future. The journey has just begun, and the best is yet to come.