Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu has praised Abhishek Sharma’s selfless approach to run-scoring in IPL 2024. Ambati Rayudu highlighted Sharma’s breaking of Virat Kohli’s record for most sixes by an Indian player in a single IPL season, noting his effortless 21-ball half-century.
Ambati Rayudu, a veteran cricketer known for his explosive batting and sharp fielding, recently called time on his illustrious career. Rayudu’s journey spanned across domestic cricket, the IPL, and the Indian national team. After strong performances for Baroda and the Mumbai Indians, he earned his international debut in 2013. He enjoyed some successful moments, including a man-of-the-series performance in Zimbabwe. However, injuries and selection controversies hampered his international ambitions. The IPL became his shining stage. Playing for the Mumbai Indians and later the Chennai Super Kings, Rayudu was a vital cog in their championship-winning teams. He amassed over 3900 runs and was known for his ability to accelerate the innings.
Abhishek Sharma has exploded onto the scene in IPL 2024, becoming a force to be reckoned with at the top of the order for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). His aggressive batting style has not only propelled him to the top of the six-hitting charts but also made him a vital cog in SRH’s success. He leads the tournament with a staggering 41 sixes, surpassing even the legendary Virat Kohli’s record of 38 sixes in a single IPL season for an Indian batsman. But it’s not just about raw power. Sharma boasts an impressive strike rate of over 209, showcasing his ability to score quickly and consistently. Three crucial half-centuries, including a lightning-fast 21-ball 50 against Punjab Kings, further solidify his reputation as a dangerous batsman.
What Ambati Rayudu Said
Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu has predicted that Abhishek Sharma will soon earn a spot in India’s T20I squad following the T20 World Cup. Sharma once again starred for Sunrisers Hyderabad, scoring 66 off just 28 deliveries to lead them to a four-wicket victory over the Punjab Kings, ending the league stage on a high note.
Rayudu while speaking on Star Sports said, “I’ve had a chat with him in Hyderabad just a couple of days back, and I asked him the same question.
What do you think of getting big scores? He said, I’m just hitting at the ball and just trying to be positive and hitting every ball for four or six, that is, I feel him being absolutely selfless for the team, it’s so easy when you are in such kind of a form to just take it, take it back to take it easy for a couple of balls and then build a big innings and score a 100.”
“But he is doing it for the team and you need to appreciate a player like that. Very rarely, you have in your Indian setup for Indian players who has this mindset of playing for the team and not thinking about his own self, and that’s a great attribute to have.”
In 13 games, Abhishek has scored 467 runs with an impressive strike rate of 209.41. On Sunday, he hit six sixes and five fours in his 66 off 28 balls, shifting the game in Hyderabad’s favour.
Heinrich Klaasen (42 off 26 balls), Rahul Tripathi (33 off 18), and Nitish Reddy (37 off 25) also contributed well in their dominant display.
Shashank Singh got Abhishek out with a slower ball, which he hit to Shivam Singh at covers.
SRH will face the Kolkata Knight Riders in Qualifier 1 on May 21 in Ahmedabad.