Abhishek has totally transformed his game this IPL: Franklin

Abhishek Sharma has been one of the breakout stars in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. He has hit as many as 41 sixes - the most by an India batter in an IPL season - and overall, has hit 467 runs in 13 appearances with a strike rate of well over 200. 

Along with Travis Head, Abhishek has formed a successful opening partnership and have more often than not, taken their team off to a flying start. However, on May 19 (Sunday), Head was dismissed first ball, but that did not deter Abhishek from playing his natural game, as he smashed 66 off just 28 deliveries after they were set a target of 215 by Punjab Kings (PBKS).

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) bowling coach James Franklin was impressed with the way the 23-year-old has batted through the season and lauded the way he has transformed his batting.

"A great partnership between Abhishek and Rahul [Tripathi] laid the foundation for that chase. And, then the others, they came in and just continued it on,”’ Franklin said at the post-match press conference.

"He [Abhishek] has been outstanding. I saw bizarre stats recently. His six-hitting in the previous few seasons were in single digits, while now it is in the high 30s. He has totally transformed his game and really taken this IPL on. 

"It's been brilliant to watch him and Travis Head at the top of the order. The eyes of the cricket world can be following what those guys do when they walk out to bat. Hugely exciting."

SRH beat PBKS by four wickets and with the game between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) being washed out in Guwahati, the Men in Orange finish second and will have two chances to make it to the final. SRH will take on KKR in Qualifier 1 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Tuesday (May 21).

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