He scored 439 runs in the recent IPL season.
When the words ‘fearless team’ are spoken of, the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) appear at the top of the list. Over the last couple of years in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the team has developed a style which ceased to be forgotten. Openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head are the introductory force to the style of an aggressive approach.
In a recent podcast on Breakfast with Champions, the Indian opener 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 team. Moreover, the left-handed opener regarded Pat Cummins and the SRH management for giving players absolute freedom to express themselves.
The Sunrisers hold the record for the highest team total in the IPL, with a score of 287/3 in 20 overs. This was achieved in 2024 against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Additionally, four out of the highest team totals in the IPL are held by the Orange Army.
After winning the World Cup in 2023, the Australian skipper made significant changes in SRH’s playing style. Openers Abhishek and 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 the skipper and his directives in team meetings. Cummins goes around asking each batter which bowler they want to attack. And he lets them do that with freedom.
Abhishek narrated Cummins, “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 that SRH have developed over the years speaks volumes about their approach on the field. As per Abhishek, the bowlers are given a simple task in each game, which is paramount for the success of the team.
Abhishek continued to narrate Cummins who 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 generic, it is evident from 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 of the Australian left-handed opener. Abhishek Sharma spoke about the thought process of his SRH teammate and declared that he is one of the best openers to play with. The 25-year-old also put emphasis on how Head targets the bowlers and goes about his business.
Abhishek mentioned that Head has clarity in his mind. When asked about his hitting style, the Aussie opener says that he chooses to go over the fielders in the power play. 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 Sharma to score off some bowler, he would give the strike to Head.
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