40 Facts About Abhishek Sharma

Early Life and Background

Abhishek Sharma's journey from a young cricket enthusiast to a rising star in Indian cricket is inspiring. Let's explore his early years and the foundation of his cricketing career.

1. Abhishek Sharma was born on September 4, 2000, in Amritsar, Punjab, to Raj Kumar Sharma, a former cricketer, and Manju Sharma.
2. He is the youngest of three siblings, with two elder sisters named Komal and Sonia.
3. Sharma completed his schooling at Delhi Public School, where he developed a passion for cricket from a young age.
4. Abhishek is a childhood friend of Shubman Gill, with whom he used to open the innings for Punjab in the Under-14s.

Cricketing Debut and Early Success

Abhishek's early cricketing career was marked by impressive performances and leadership roles. Here are some key milestones from his initial years in cricket.

5. Sharma made his debut in Under-16 domestic cricket in the 2015-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy, scoring a century in his maiden match.
6. He went on to score 1,200 runs in that tournament at an average of 109.09.
7. Abhishek made his Under-19 debut for Punjab in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy in 2016-17.
8. In 2017, Sharma was appointed as the captain of India's Youth ODIs against England, leading the team to a 3-1 victory.
9. During the 2018 Under-19 World Cup, Sharma played a crucial role in India's victory, including scoring a vital 49-ball 50 against Bangladesh in the quarterfinals.

Transition to Professional Cricket

Abhishek's transition from youth cricket to professional cricket was seamless, showcasing his talent and adaptability.

10. Sharma made his first-class debut for Punjab in the 2017-18 Ranji Trophy.
11. He was acquired by Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) for INR 55 lakh ($85,000) at the IPL auction in January 2018.
12. Abhishek made his Twenty20 debut on May 12, 2018, scoring 46 runs off just 19 balls.
13. In 2019, he moved to Sunrisers Hyderabad as part of a trade deal involving Shikhar Dhawan.
14. His Sunrisers Hyderabad debut came against Delhi, where he took the big wicket of Colin Munro.

Personal Challenges and Mentorship

Despite his success, Abhishek faced personal challenges and sought mentorship to improve his game.

15. In 2020, Sharma was embroiled in a controversy related to the tragic suicide of model Tanya Singh.
16. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Abhishek received mentorship from Yuvraj Singh, which significantly impacted his development as a cricketer.

Playing Style and Skills

Abhishek Sharma is known for his versatile playing style, excelling both as a batsman and a bowler.

17. Sharma is a left-handed batsman known for his aggressive approach and ability to score quickly.
18. He is also a skilled lower-order batsman who can play crucial innings for his team.
19. In addition to his batting prowess, Sharma is a left-arm orthodox spinner.
20. He has shown his ability to take wickets consistently in various formats of the game.

Career Statistics and Achievements

Abhishek's career statistics and achievements highlight his consistency and impact on the field.

21. In first-class cricket, Sharma has an average of 30.60 with a strike rate of 70.46.
22. In List A cricket, his average is 31.57 with a strike rate of 92.52.
23. In T20 cricket, he averages 30.01 with a strike rate of 153.59.
24. Sharma made his international debut against Zimbabwe in July 2024, hitting his maiden T20I century in his second match.
25. His century against Zimbabwe was notable as he used the bat of his captain, Shubman Gill.

Domestic and IPL Career

Abhishek has been a key player in domestic cricket and the IPL, contributing significantly to his teams.

26. In domestic cricket, Sharma represents Punjab and has played for India A and North Zone.
27. In the IPL, Abhishek has played for Sunrisers Hyderabad, scoring crucial runs and taking important wickets.
28. He has played for several teams including India, India A, North Zone, Delhi Capitals, India Under-19, Punjab, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Agri King's Knights.

Family and Personal Life

Abhishek's family background and personal life have played a significant role in shaping his cricketing career.

29. Sharma's father, Raj Kumar Sharma, is a former cricketer who played up to the under-22 North Zone level.
30. Raj Kumar moved to the United Arab Emirates to pursue his cricketing dreams but returned to India to coach at the Amritsar Game Association.
31. Abhishek's success on the cricket field is a realization of his father's unfinished dream.
32. Sharma is known for his humble and down-to-earth personality, often engaging with fans on social media.

Awards and Recognition

Abhishek's talent and hard work have earned him numerous awards and recognition.

33. Sharma became the first cricketer to bag two prestigious BCCI awards: the Raj Singh Dungarpur award for being the highest scorer in the Vijay Merchant Trophy (2015-2016) and the highest wicket-taker in the same tournament with 57 wickets.
34. He has led India to victory in several tournaments, including the U-19 Asia Cup in 2016 and the 2018 U-19 World Cup.

Records and Milestones

Abhishek has set several records and achieved significant milestones in his career.

35. In T20 cricket, Sharma has scored three centuries and 16 half-centuries, with his highest score being 112 runs.
36. In List A cricket, he has scored three centuries and five half-centuries, with his highest score being 169 runs.
37. In T20 cricket, Sharma has taken 32 wickets at an average of 26.46 with an economy rate of 7.11.
38. In List A cricket, he has taken 29 wickets at an average of 36.86 with an economy rate of 4.66.
39. In the IPL, Sharma has scored 389 runs in 45 innings at an average of 35.36 with a strike rate of 24.54 and taken 11 wickets at an average of 8.64 with an economy rate of 8.64.

Future Prospects and Legacy

Abhishek Sharma's future in cricket looks promising, and his legacy is already taking shape.

40. With his impressive performances in recent years, Abhishek is considered one of the most promising young cricketers in India. His ability to adapt to different formats of the game and his consistent scoring make him a valuable asset for the Indian cricket team.

Abhishek Sharma's Remarkable Journey

Abhishek Sharma's rise in cricket is nothing short of inspiring. From his early days in Amritsar to making a mark in international cricket, he's shown immense talent and dedication. His friendship with Shubman Gill, stellar performances in the Under-19 World Cup, and impactful IPL innings highlight his journey. Despite facing personal controversies, Sharma's resilience and hard work have kept him focused on his goals.

Mentored by legends like Yuvraj Singh, Sharma's skills have only sharpened. His left-handed batting and left-arm orthodox spin make him a versatile player. With impressive stats in domestic and international cricket, he's a valuable asset to any team. As he continues to grow, Abhishek Sharma's story serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring cricketers, proving that with passion and perseverance, dreams can indeed come true.