Abhishek Sharma, after an excellent IPL 2024, has been rather poor in this edition. This year he has only scored 31 in three outings and averages only 10.33. This is in complete contrast from last year where he scored 484 runs in 16 matches, at an average of 32, and a strike-rate of 204.
Abhishek Sharma Struggling in IPL 2025
What is has led to his problems in IPL 2025 is a debate for later, but then, the SRH management should consider him moving to No.3, albeit for one match only. Sunrisers Hyderabad are due to play Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on Thursday, and Abhishek Sharma‘s record against the Kolkata-based team isn’t great.
Poor Record vs KKR
Out of all the teams the southpaw has played against, his worst record is vs the Men in Purple. In 9 matches he has scored 132 runs only, averages 16.50, at a strike-rate of 124. His highest-score has been only 43, and this is no where close to what he has achieved against other teams.
Ishan Kishan Could be a Better Choice
He could be replaced with Ishan Kishan.. who has a good record against KKR. In 12 matches, this left-handed batter has scored 257 runs including three fifties. The strike-rate has been good too at 154. Look, he might have failed in the last two matches, but then he went on to score 106 vs RR in the opening match, so there is still some scope.
What really works in Kishan’s favour is, he is a regular opener, and has played bulk of his matches in the IPL as an opener. At the top of the order, he has played 55 innings and scored 1733 runs at an average of 33.98. The strike-rate has stood at 141, and can play much faster. If the ploy works, it could be a win-win for SRH, who are bogged down right now, with the non-performance of the top-3.
That said, this should only be a temporary measure for the KKR vs SRH match only.
