Abhishek Sharma Career: IPL Records, T20I Centuries, Stats & Biography

Abhishek Sharma, the tall left-handed batter and useful left-arm spinner, has emerged as one of India’s most promising young cricketers. Known for his fearless stroke play and explosive batting at the top of the order, he has rapidly grown into a player capable of turning games single-handedly. His journey from India’s age-group circuit to becoming a T20I centurion is a story of talent, perseverance, and hard work.

Early Career and U19 Achievements

Abhishek Sharma’s cricketing journey began in India’s youth system, where he quickly made a mark. In 2016, he captained the India U19 team to victory in the Youth Asia Cup, finishing as the tournament’s second-highest wicket-taker. His leadership qualities and all-round skills stood out, making him a key player for the future.

He continued to shine in 2017, leading India’s U19 side against England at home, before being succeeded by Prithvi Shaw for the return series and the 2018 U19 World Cup. Despite this change, Abhishek remained an integral part of the squad that lifted the 2018 ICC U19 World Cup in New Zealand. He played all matches, contributing crucial runs and playing an important role in India’s spin attack. His fifty in the quarterfinal against Bangladesh was a turning point in the tournament.

Domestic Journey: Ranji and Vijay Hazare Trophy

Following the U19 World Cup, Abhishek made his senior domestic debut. Representing Punjab in the 2018 Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Ranji Trophy, he impressed with his determination and attacking mindset. These performances laid the foundation for his entry into the Indian Premier League (IPL).

IPL Debut and Early Breakthrough

Abhishek Sharma’s IPL journey began with the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2018. Bought for INR 55 lakh, he made his debut against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at just 17 years old. In a remarkable debut, he smashed a whirlwind 19-ball 46, including consecutive boundaries off Tim Southee, showcasing his natural flair and confidence. Though he played only two matches that season, his fearless batting left a lasting impression.

When Delhi traded Shikhar Dhawan to Sunrisers Hyderabad, Abhishek was among the three players SRH demanded in return. This move turned out to be pivotal in his career.

Rise with Sunrisers Hyderabad

At Sunrisers Hyderabad, Abhishek Sharma found consistency and opportunity. Given the role of an opener, he gradually became a key player. In one season, he accumulated 426 runs in 14 matches, cementing his spot as a dependable top-order batter.

His real breakthrough came in IPL 2024, when paired with Travis Head. The duo redefined aggressive starts, powering SRH to record-breaking totals. SRH posted scores of 277 and 287, the highest in IPL history, with Abhishek playing a central role. He amassed 484 runs at an astonishing strike rate of 204.22, striking fear into opposition bowlers. His ability to dominate the powerplay became one of SRH’s biggest strengths.

International Debut and Success with India

Abhishek’s IPL exploits fast-tracked his entry into international cricket. He made his T20I debut for India against Zimbabwe on July 6, 2024, at the Harare Sports Club. His debut was disappointing, as he fell for a four-ball duck. However, he bounced back strongly in the very next match, scoring a dazzling century and making headlines across the cricketing world.

A few months later, he lit up the Wankhede Stadium against England with a breathtaking 135-run knock. This innings was not only a display of raw power but also of maturity, shot selection, and temperament against a world-class attack. With such performances, Abhishek Sharma firmly established himself as India’s new T20 batting sensation.

His fearless approach, much like his IPL outings, translated seamlessly to international cricket, making him a key player in India’s modern T20 setup.

Career Highlights

• T20I Debut: vs Zimbabwe, July 6, 2024, Harare Sports Club

• Last T20I (as of Sep 2025): vs Bangladesh, September 24, 2025, Dubai International Cricket Stadium

• IPL Debut: vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, May 12, 2018, Arun Jaitley Stadium

• Last IPL Match (as of May 2025): vs Kolkata Knight Riders, May 25, 2025, Arun Jaitley Stadium

• IPL 2024 Season: 484 runs, Strike Rate 204.22

• International Best: 135 vs England at Wankhede Stadium

Playing Style and Strengths

Abhishek Sharma’s game is built around aggressive stroke play. As a left-handed opener, he brings variety and balance to the batting lineup. His fearless hitting in the powerplay overs makes him a dangerous prospect for any opposition. Alongside his batting, his left-arm spin adds value as a secondary bowling option.

Key strengths include:

• Explosive power-hitting in the powerplay.

• Ability to anchor or accelerate as required.

• Versatility across formats, with proven ability in domestic cricket.

• Handy left-arm spin for crucial overs.

Future Outlook

At just 24 years old, Abhishek Sharma’s best years are ahead of him. With IPL success under his belt and international centuries already to his name, he has all the makings of a long-term match-winner for India. If he continues his upward trajectory, he could be one of the cornerstones of India’s T20 World Cup campaigns and a consistent performer in global T20 leagues.

Conclusion

From captaining India U19 to becoming one of the most destructive T20 openers, Abhishek Sharma’s rise has been nothing short of spectacular. His fearless approach, record-breaking IPL performances, and early international success make him one of the brightest stars in Indian cricket. As he continues to mature, fans can expect more fireworks and match-winning knocks from this dynamic left-hander.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Abhishek Sharma

Q1. Who is Abhishek Sharma in Indian cricket?
Abhishek Sharma is a left-handed opening batter and part-time left-arm spinner, known for his explosive batting in the IPL with Sunrisers Hyderabad and his powerful performances in T20 internationals for India.

Q2. When did Abhishek Sharma make his IPL debut?
Abhishek Sharma made his IPL debut on May 12, 2018, for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Q3. What is Abhishek Sharma’s highest score in international cricket?
Abhishek Sharma’s highest international score so far is 135 runs against England at the Wankhede Stadium, showcasing his ability to dominate top-quality bowling attacks.

Q4. Which IPL team does Abhishek Sharma play for?
Abhishek Sharma plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League, where he has established himself as one of the most destructive openers.

Q5. What are Abhishek Sharma’s key strengths as a cricketer?
His main strengths include explosive batting in the powerplay, fearless stroke play, the ability to accelerate quickly, and his added utility as a left-arm spinner.

Q6. Has Abhishek Sharma scored a century in T20 internationals?
Yes, Abhishek Sharma scored his maiden T20I century against Zimbabwe in July 2024, just in his second international match.

Q7. What is Abhishek Sharma’s IPL 2024 record?
In IPL 2024, Abhishek Sharma scored 484 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 204.22, playing a crucial role in SRH’s record-breaking totals.