He scored 439 runs in the recent IPL season.
When the word ‘fearless’ is spoken of, the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are one of the first teams appearing on the list. Over the last few years, the team has developed a style which ceases to be forgotten. They have instilled a sense of fear amongst teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with their aggressive brand of cricket all around. Openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head are the introductory force to the style of an aggressive approach.
In a recent interview on Breakfast with Champions, India opener Abhishek Sharma spoke about the atmosphere in the dressing room of the Orange Army. He revealed an interesting bunch of secrets, which also included his initial playing days for the state team. Moreover, the left-handed opener regarded Pat Cummins and the SRH management for giving the players absolute freedom to express themselves.
The Sunrisers from Hyderabad hold the record for the highest team total in the IPL, with a score of 287/3 in 20 overs. This was achieved in the 2024 season against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Additionally, four out of the highest team totals in the IPL are with the Orange Army.
After the Australian 2023 World Cup winner became the skipper for the franchise, there was a significant change in their playing style. Openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head started tonking the ball from the beginning, as if they feared no one. Suddenly, the scores in the powerplay knew no bounds and raining boundaries became the new normal.
Abhishek revealed the thought process of skipper Pat Cummins, and his directives in team meetings. Daniel Vettori, the head coach is usually the one asking the players if they have any concerns regarding facing a particular bowler. The youngster from Punjab expressed that Cummins is certainly goes on asking each batter so as to which bowler they want to take on. And he lets them do that with freedom.
Abhishek narrates Pat Cummins saying, “in this team, even if we are 50/6, the next batter walking in should get out hitting. There shouldn’t be an element of fear. I am okay with the team being all out for 100. But I don’t want those safe scores of 160 and 170. If you want to hit all the six deliveries, go ahead and do it. I want us to be known for this brand of cricket.”
And it does not end here. Cummins has separate advice for the bowlers. The brand of cricket which SRH have developed over the years speaks volumes of their approach on the field. As per Abhishek, the bowlers are given a simple task in each game, which is paramount for the success for the team.
Cummins tells his bowlers, “The batters will do their bit. If they score 250 runs, we have to make sure that we limit the opposition to 249. As long as we win, I’m good.”
Though this is a very generic thing as per the rules of the game, it is very evident of the mindset and freedom that skipper Cummins lets his players play with.
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‘Plant the front foot out of the way, and let the bat follow’ is the mantra for the Australian left-handed opener. Abhishek spoke about the thought process of Travis Head as well, and also said that he is one of the best openers to play with. The 25-year-old also laid emphasis on how Head targets the bowlers and goes about his business.
Abhishek mentioned that Head is very sorted in his mind. When asked about his hitting style, the Aussie opener says that he chooses to go over the fielders in the powerplay. If that is not possible, he would look to target the vacant spots on the field.
To add to that, he also stated the bond between the two openers. If there is a difficulty for Abhishek to score off some bowler, he would give the strike to Head.
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