Full Name

Abhishek Sharma

Age

24 yrs

Playing Role

Batting Allrounder

Birth Date

04-Sep-2000

Batting Style

Left Handed Batsman

Bowling Style

Left-arm Orthodox Slow

Team

India, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Daredevils, India A, India U-19s, Punjab

Introduction

Abhishek Sharma is an emerging Indian cricketer known for his dynamic left-handed batting and effective left-arm orthodox spin bowling. Born on September 4, 2000, in Amritsar, Punjab, Sharma has quickly made a name for himself in the cricketing world. His cricketing journey began at a very young age, under the guidance of his father, Raj Kumar Sharma, who himself was a cricketer.

Sharma first came into the limelight with a century on his Under-19 debut for Punjab in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy. His talent was further showcased when he led India to victory in the U-19 Asia Cup in 2016 and was a part of the Indian Under-19 team that won the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in 2018. His knack for performing at critical junctures was evident even then, particularly with a significant half-century in the World Cup quarter-final against Bangladesh.

In domestic cricket, Sharma represents Punjab, where he has played across all formats, making his List A debut in 2017 and his first-class debut later that year. His performances in domestic tournaments like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy have been noteworthy, often leading from the front with both bat and ball.

His career took a significant leap when he entered the Indian Premier League (IPL), initially picked by the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2018. However, it was with Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he moved in 2019, that he truly flourished, becoming a key player for the franchise. His IPL performances, especially in the 2024 season, where he smashed the fastest fifty, underscored his potential as an explosive opener and a versatile player.

Internationally, Sharma made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe in July 2024, where he announced his arrival with a century in his second match, signaling his readiness for the international stage. With his aggressive batting style, ability to bowl useful overs, and athletic fielding, Abhishek Sharma is poised to be a significant player for India across all formats of the game. His journey from a prodigious junior cricketer to a national team member is a testament to his hard work, talent, and the guidance from mentors like Yuvraj Singh.

Professional Career

Early Career and Domestic Cricket:

Abhishek Sharma, born on September 4, 2000, in Amritsar, Punjab, showcased his cricketing prowess from a young age. He made headlines with a century on his Under-19 debut for Punjab in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, signaling the start of a promising career. In domestic cricket, Sharma represents Punjab across all formats. He made his List A debut for Punjab in the 2016-17 Vijay Hazare Trophy and his first-class debut in the 2017-18 Ranji Trophy. His performances in domestic tournaments have been significant, particularly in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he led Punjab to their maiden title in the 2023-24 season, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer.

Under-19 World Cup and Youth Cricket:

Sharma was part of the Indian team that won the 2018 U-19 Cricket World Cup in New Zealand. He played an integral role, scoring an important half-century against Bangladesh in the quarter-final. Before this, he captained India to victory in the U-19 Asia Cup in 2016. His performances in these tournaments highlighted his potential as both a batsman and a bowler, confirming his status as a future star.

Indian Premier League (IPL):

Abhishek Sharma’s IPL journey began with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2018, where he made an immediate impact with a brisk 46 off 19 balls on his debut. However, after one season, he moved to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) where he has since made significant contributions. His breakout year came in IPL 2024 when he formed a formidable opening partnership with Travis Head, smashing the fastest fifty of the season off just 16 balls against Mumbai Indians, contributing to SRH reaching a record IPL score. His consistent performances, including 484 runs in 16 matches at a strike rate around 200, have established him as a crucial player for SRH.

International Cricket:

Sharma made his international debut for India in a T20I against Zimbabwe in July 2024. He made a notable impression by scoring a century in his second match, showcasing his aggressive and impactful style of play. Since then, he has continued to be part of the Indian T20I squad, with performances like a brisk 79 off 34 balls against England in early 2025, indicating his suitability for the international level.

Playing Style and Contributions:

Abhishek Sharma is a left-handed batsman known for his clean hitting and ability to score quickly, especially in T20 cricket. He can also bowl left-arm orthodox spin, providing his team with both batting and bowling options. His fielding is another asset, with sharp reflexes and agility in the outfield.

Recent Developments:

As of 2025, Sharma’s career has been on an upward trajectory with consistent performances in both domestic and IPL cricket, leading to his international recognition. His ability to adapt to different roles—be it as an opener or lower down the order, and occasionally bowling crucial overs—makes him a valuable all-rounder for India. With his youth, skill set, and the experience he’s gaining, Abhishek Sharma is seen as a vital part of India’s cricketing future, potentially across all formats.