Abhishek Sharma hits back at impact player rule: ‘With every all-rounder this is going to happen..’

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) continued their batting dominance in the IPL, crushing Delhi Capitals (DC) by 67 runs at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Once again, it was a masterclass in power-hitting, with a mammoth 266-run total proving too much for the home side.

SRH Batters Rewrite Record Books

SRH entered the match aiming to surpass their own record-breaking feats this season. Having already secured the highest IPL scores twice (277 vs. MI and 286 vs. RCB), they seemed determined to break new ground again.

While they fell short of a new overall record, they smashed a staggering 125 runs in the powerplay – a historic feat in the IPL. This incredible display propelled them to the fourth-highest score in IPL history.

Travis Head & Abhishek Sharma: Power-Hitting Masterclass

The opening partnership between Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma was the cornerstone of SRH’s success. The duo unleashed an onslaught on the DC bowlers, amassing a record-breaking 125 runs without losing a wicket in the first six overs. Head and Sharma struck at a mind-boggling pace, leaving the DC dugout bewildered.

Head fell after a blistering knock of 89 runs (32 balls), while Sharma continued his onslaught before being dismissed for a fiery 46 runs (12 balls), including a jaw-dropping six sixes.

Abhishek was all praise for Aussie opener, he said in post-match press conference:

“Its joyful to watch him bat and we have been talking a lot off the field and I think that’s helping. I am looking forward to bat with him this season. Before this also, I used to admire Travis Head batting in all three formats, and luckily we got him in our side and that’s good.”

Abhishek Sharma: Frustrated by Impact Player Rule

Despite his stellar performance with the bat, Sharma expressed frustration with the IPL’s “Impact Player” rule in the post-match press conference. He pointed out that the rule often leads to all-rounders like him missing out on bowling opportunities due to the inclusion of an extra specialist bowler or batsman.

“With every all-rounder this is going to happen,” Sharma lamented, highlighting that this issue persisted in the previous season as well. He emphasized his readiness to bowl whenever given the chance, hoping to showcase his all-round abilities.

“I think everybody knows that I can bowl but with this (Impact player rule) – there is always an extra bowler or batter. So with every all-rounder this is going to happen, this happened last year also. so for me, I believe that I should be ready whenever I get the chance because I know somehow I will get the chance and I will bowl then.”

Abhishek Sharma credits domestic cricket for IPL 2024 success

Abhishek Sharma attributed his batting success to his clear plan and the valuable experience gained during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Punjab. He highlighted the importance of domestic cricket in preparing players for the high-pressure environment of the IPL.

“For Punjab team we played at venues like Ranchi and Mohali. ANd I think that domestic Cricket helps us a lot because we know IPL is going to happen at these venues and if we get to prepare or play matches for your state it helps us.”

“I had a very clear plan in my head before the start of IPL I was very clear with my batting style and I have executed it very well. The hard work that I have put before the IPL and in Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament.”

More about Sunrisers Hyderabad:

SRH in IPL 2024

SRH’s batting continues to set the IPL ablaze, and their bowlers will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming matches. The question remains – will the “Impact Player” rule be revisited to allow all-rounders like Sharma to showcase their full potential? Only time will tell.