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Abhishek Sharma's 'V' Position Mastery Powers SRH to Victory Over PBKS

Abhishek Sharma delivered a spectacular 28-ball 74 for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Punjab Kings, rebounding strongly from a previous duck. His innings was defined by his exceptional hitting down the ground in the 'V' position, where he averages 56 at a strike rate of 254. Since 2024, no batter in world cricket has been more prolific than Abhishek when coming down the track during the powerplay overs. He also equaled the IPL record by smashing seven sixes during the powerplay phase.

Key Points: Abhishek Sharma's 74 Showcases Elite Powerplay Hitting in IPL

  • Stunning 28-ball 74 after a duck
  • Elite 'V' position hitting down the ground
  • World's best when coming down the track in powerplay
  • Joint-record 7 powerplay sixes in an IPL inning
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Down the track, in the 'V' position: Abhishek shows two technical powers during stroke-filled 74 against PBKS

Abhishek Sharma's 28-ball 74 for SRH highlighted his dominance down the ground and when coming down the track, joining an elite IPL powerplay club.

Down the track, in the 'V' position: Abhishek shows two technical powers during stroke-filled 74 against PBKS
"Since the start of 2024, no batter in world cricket has been as prolific as Abhishek while coming down the track during the powerplay phase - CricViz"

Mullanpur, April 11

Indian batter Abhishek Sharma made a stunning 28-ball 74 for Sunrisers Hyderabad in their Indian Premier League match against Punjab Kings at Mullanpur on Saturday, highlighting two of his biggest strengths in the process.

After a duck in his previous outing, the superstar opener bounced back with a 28-ball 74 against PBKS, lacing his knock with five fours and eight stunning sixes.

As per CricViz, Abhishek averages 56 and a strike at 254 while playing his shots down the ground in a 'V' position from his crease. During the course of his knock, he smashed a lot of his fours and sixes down the ground in the 'V' position down the ground.

Since the start of 2024, no batter in world cricket has been as prolific as Abhishek while coming down the track during the powerplay phase, scoring 270 runs in 121 balls, with six dismissals at a strike rate of 223 and an average of 45, as per CricViz.

He also joined the elite company of legends like Sanath Jayasuriya (against CSK for MI in 2008), Jos Buttler (for RR against DC in 2018) and Jonny Bairstow (for PBKS against RCB in 2022) for the joint-most sixes by a batter during powerplay in an IPL inning, with seven each.

This season, he has made 129 runs in four innings at an average of 32.25 and a strike rate of 218.84, with a fifty to his name.

This year has been a topsy-turvy one for Abhishek, who had a poor T20 World Cup with just 141 runs in eight innings at an average of 17.62, with two fifties, including one in the final against New Zealand. He started the tournament with three successive ducks and has scored six ducks this calendar year. But nonetheless, Abhishek came good in the final to set up a brilliant start for India alongside Sanju Samson at Ahmedabad.

This year in 17 T20S, he has made 452 runs at an average of 28.25 and a strike rate of 204.52, with five fifties.

Coming to the match, PBKS opted to bowl first, but a 120-run partnership between Head (74 in 28 balls, with five fours and eight sixes) and Travis Head (38 in 23 balls, with five fours and a six) made them regret the decision. Knocks from Ishan Kishan (27 in 17 balls, with three fours and a six) and Heinrich Klaasen (39 in 33 balls, with three fours and a six) took SRH to 219/6 in 20 overs.

Shashank Singh (2/20) and Arshdeep Singh (2/50) were among the top bowlers for PBKS.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The stats are mind-blowing. A strike rate of 254 when playing down the ground? That's not just power, that's incredible technique and placement. He's turning into a complete T20 opener. Hope he carries this form forward consistently.
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Vikram M
This is why IPL is so important for our bench strength. He had a rough T20 World Cup, but the platform here allows him to play without fear and regain his touch. Perfect example of "form is temporary, class is permanent." Well played, beta!
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Rohit P
Respectfully, while the innings was brilliant, the article highlights his main issue: inconsistency. Six ducks this calendar year is a concern for a player of his calibre. He needs to work on his starts. One great knock can't hide that.
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Priya S
Joining the list with Sanath Jayasuriya and Jos Buttler for powerplay sixes! That's some elite company. His ability to take on the bowlers from ball one is a game-changer for SRH. The partnership with Head was just brutal for PBKS. 😅
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Michael C
As a neutral fan, it's thrilling to watch. The data from CricViz really shows how modern batting is evolving. He's not just swinging wildly; there's a method to that madness in the 'V'. Fantastic analysis and an even better knock.

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