Abhishek Sharma, the dynamic all-rounder from India, is quickly emerging as a standout name in world cricket. Known for his explosive performances in the IPL with Sunrisers Hyderabad, and his consistent rise in the international arena, Abhishek Sharma cricketer is proving to be a key player for the future of Indian cricket. With his powerful strokeplay, clever spin bowling, and sharp fielding, fans and experts alike are calling him the next big thing in Indian cricket.
Who Is Abhishek Sharma?
Abhishek Sharma is one of the brightest young talents in Indian cricket. Born on September 4, 2000, in Amritsar, Punjab, this left-handed batting all-rounder has been making waves in domestic cricket, the Indian Premier League (IPL), and more recently on the international stage.
At just 24 years old, Abhishek has already created a niche for himself with his explosive batting, useful left-arm orthodox spin, and electrifying fielding. Whether it’s domestic cricket for Punjab, IPL for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), or India’s T20I squad, Sharma is showing that he’s not just a flash in the pan—he’s here to stay.
Early Life and Cricketing Roots
Abhishek’s cricketing journey began at the age of 5 under the guidance of his father, Raj Kumar Sharma, who himself was a cricketer and later a coach. His talent was evident early on, and he quickly rose through the ranks of Punjab’s age-group teams.
He made headlines in 2016 when he captained India U-19 and helped them clinch the Youth Asia Cup. That experience sharpened his skills and toughened his mindset, laying the foundation for future success.
Domestic Career: The Launchpad
Abhishek made his List A debut for Punjab in the 2016–17 Vijay Hazare Trophy and later debuted in first-class cricket in 2017–18 Ranji Trophy.
Standout Domestic Performances:
- Scored a blistering 46-ball century in a U-19 match, showcasing his aggressive strokeplay.
- Consistently performed in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, earning praise for his intent and timing.
- Known for accelerating the innings and breaking partnerships with his spin.
In domestic cricket, Abhishek has always been a match-winner, often turning games around with either the bat or ball—sometimes both.
IPL Journey: From Debutant to Game-Changer
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Explosive Opener
Abhishek was bought by Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in IPL 2018, but his real breakthrough came after being picked by Sunrisers Hyderabad. Initially used as a finisher, SRH soon realized his potential as an aggressive opener, especially in the 2022 IPL season.
IPL 2024 and 2025: Breakthrough Years
In the 2024 and 2025 IPL editions, Abhishek has been on fire.
Key Highlights:
IPL 2024:
- Runs: 426
- Average: 35.5
- Strike Rate: 166.4
- 50s: 4
- Best: 75 (off 38 balls)
- Wickets: 4
- Most Sixes in Powerplay (among Indian batters)
IPL 2025 (so far):
- Runs: 512 (as of May 2025)
- Average: 42.6
- Strike Rate: 172.7
- Best: 96*
- Player of the Match (3 times)
Abhishek’s fearless approach in the powerplay overs, ability to attack both pace and spin, and the flexibility to bat in the middle order when needed make him a rare asset.
International Debut and Team India Call-Up
Thanks to his stellar IPL and domestic performances, Abhishek earned his maiden India call-up in 2024 for the T20I series against Zimbabwe.
🇮🇳 T20I Stats (As of July 2025):
- Matches: 12
- Runs: 354
- Average: 35.4
- Strike Rate: 161.5
- 50s: 3
- Wickets: 3
- Best: 71 (vs South Africa)
He’s not just surviving in international cricket—he’s thriving. His ability to adapt quickly, remain calm under pressure, and deliver big performances against top teams like Australia, South Africa, and England has boosted India’s confidence in building a young core.
Playing Style: Aggression With Intelligence
Abhishek Sharma is a left-handed batsman with a natural flair for stroke-making. His game is based on timing rather than brute force, though he can clear the ropes effortlessly. His strong bottom hand allows him to hit sixes even off good-length balls.
Batting Strengths:
- Powerplay aggression
- Lofted straight drives
- Backfoot punches against pace
- Slog sweep and reverse sweep vs spin
Bowling Assets:
- Accurate left-arm orthodox spin
- Variation in pace
- Useful in middle overs to break partnerships
In the field, he’s a livewire—often saving crucial runs and pulling off one-handed stunners.
Abhishek Sharma’s Future in Indian Cricket
With India looking to transition from senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, young talents like Abhishek Sharma are the future. He’s being groomed for the T20 World Cup 2026, and if he maintains his form, he could even break into the ODI and Test squads.
Why Abhishek Is a Future Superstar:
- Age advantage: Only 24, already experienced in big matches
- Multi-role player: Bats, bowls, and fields exceptionally
- Big match temperament: Has delivered under pressure
- Fitness and fielding: Among the fittest in the squad
- Team player: Can adapt to different roles and formats
Experts see him as a mix between Yuvraj Singh and Ravindra Jadeja—a stylish southpaw with all-round abilities and a killer instinct.
What Cricket Experts Say
“Abhishek Sharma is India’s next match-winner. He has the mindset of a finisher and the aggression of an opener,” – Irfan Pathan
“He’s fearless. That’s what you want from your young players,” – Tom Moody, former SRH coach
“Reminds me of a young Yuvi. Same flair, same hunger,” – Harbhajan Singh
Goals and Records to Watch For
As Abhishek Sharma climbs up the ladder in Indian cricket, here are some personal and national records he could aim for:
- Fastest T20I century by an Indian
- Most sixes in IPL season by an Indian opener
- Youngest Indian to score 1000+ IPL runs as an opener
- Double all-round milestones (1000+ runs & 25+ wickets in IPL/T20Is)
- Player of the Tournament in upcoming T20 World Cup
Abhishek Sharma Beyond the Pitch
Apart from cricket, Abhishek is quite active on Instagram, where he shares snippets of his fitness routine, behind-the-scenes from matches, and travel diaries. He’s slowly becoming a youth icon, promoting sports, discipline, and a healthy lifestyle.
His growing fanbase has also caught the attention of brands. He has endorsements lined up with sportswear and fitness brands, and you can expect to see more of him in advertisements soon.
Read More: Asia Cup Winners: Full List of Champions from 1984 to 2023
Conclusion
In a cricket-obsessed country like India, it’s never easy to stand out. But Abhishek Sharma is doing just that—not with noise, but with performance. Whether it’s blasting bowlers in the IPL, taking crucial wickets, or delivering impactful innings in T20Is, he’s ticking all the boxes.
At just 24, Abhishek has shown more maturity and hunger than many seasoned cricketers. With the 2026 T20 World Cup, 2027 ODI World Cup, and future IPLs ahead, we might just be witnessing the rise of India’s next cricket superstar.
