Abhishek Sharma’s explosive batting has become a hallmark of the current IPL season, but behind his fearless approach on the field lies a unique tale of parental nerves and superstition. Following his blistering performance against Delhi Capitals (DC), where he smashed a match-defining 135, the young Sunrisers Hyderabad star opened up about the quirky ritual his father follows whenever he is at the crease.
The Ritual Behind the Runs
While fans were glued to their screens watching Sharma dismantle the DC bowling attack, his father was reportedly doing the exact opposite. Speaking in a post-match interaction, Abhishek revealed that his father, despite being his biggest supporter and childhood coach, often finds it too stressful to watch his son bat live. Instead of cheering from the stands or the couch, his father adheres to a strict superstition involving staying away from the screen until the innings concludes or a specific milestone is reached.
“I think someone should put a camera on him during my matches,” Abhishek joked during the interview. “He gets very nervous. He usually goes to a different room or starts walking around. He has these fixed spots and rituals that he believes will help me stay at the crease longer. It’s funny, but it also shows how much it means to him.”
A Season of Dominance
Sharma’s comments come amidst a breakout season where he has redefined the powerplay for SRH. His 135-run knock wasn’t just about the volume of runs, but the sheer velocity at which they were scored. Alongside opening partner Travis Head, Sharma has been instrumental in helping Sunrisers set record-breaking totals this year. His ability to hit spin and pace with equal disdain has put him on the radar for national selection.
The Father-Son Bond
The relationship between Abhishek and his father is rooted in deep cricketing history. His father was a cricketer himself and has been the primary architect of Abhishek’s technique since he was a toddler. “He has worked harder on my game than I have,” Abhishek admitted. “Even though he doesn’t watch because of the nerves, the first thing I do after a game is call him. He knows every ball I played, even if he didn’t see it live.”
As SRH continues their march toward the playoffs, fans will be looking for more fireworks from Sharma’s bat—while his father, undoubtedly, will be looking for a quiet corner to hide until the job is done.
