Anil Kumble and AB de Villiers Challenge Abhishek Sharma to Turn Starts into Big Scores Ahead of IPL 2025
As the Indian Premier League (IPL) approaches its 2025 season, former India head coach Anil Kumble has urged Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Abhishek Sharma to strike a healthier balance between his trademark aggressive stroke-play and occupying the crease. The top-order batter has built a reputation for explosive starts, but cricket veterans are increasingly calling for improved conversion rates.
The Virender Sehwag Comparison
Speaking to the media, Kumble compared Sharma’s high-risk, high-reward approach to that of former Indian opener Virender Sehwag, noting that even the most destructive batters must learn to pace their innings across formats.
“I would relate him to someone like Virender Sehwag, because he would look to smash every ball,” Kumble stated. “When he moved from Test cricket to one-day cricket and then to T20 cricket, he realized that he had to pace his innings slightly differently. But Sehwag would still go at a 140 to 150 strike rate.”
Kumble emphasized that Sharma does not need to force a 300 strike rate simply because expectations are high. Instead, the focus should shift to facing more deliveries. The former coach pointed out that if the left-hander survives the opening exchanges, substantial scores naturally follow.
“If Abhishek Sharma bats 20 balls in an innings, we know he will be close to that 50 mark,” Kumble explained, referencing how players like Sanju Samson have recently turned 40s into match-winning totals of 80 or 90. “That is what you need in the T20 format. Maybe that is the kind of maturity you will see in Abhishek this season, which SRH will be hoping for.”
Statistical Breakdown: Abhishek Sharma in IPL 2024
Sharma’s numbers during the 2024 IPL season highlight both his destructive capability and the room for growth in his innings duration.
| Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 484 | 75* | 32.26 | 204.21 |
De Villiers Demands Greater Consistency
Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers echoed Kumble’s sentiments, highlighting the mental adjustments required as a young player transitions into a senior role. While correcting the narrative around his recent international outings for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), de Villiers noted the pressure of expectation.
“He is maturing, not 20 anymore,” de Villiers remarked. “This is definitely the phase where he has to start taking more responsibility. There will be media pressure and people asking him to become more consistent.”
De Villiers praised Sharma’s breakout 2024 IPL campaign but cautioned against the erratic form that has occasionally surfaced during his international T20I appearances. While the 24-year-old averages in the 30s domestically, his ability to handle mental fatigue and external pressure will define his upcoming season.
Key Objectives for Sharma in IPL 2025
- Innings construction: Focus on facing at least 20 deliveries per match to ensure high-impact scores.
- Pacing: Avoid the trap of chasing an unsustainable 300 strike rate due to outside expectations.
- Consistency: Convert 30-run cameos into match-winning 70-plus run contributions.
- Mental conditioning: Manage the pressure that accompanies his status as a marquee top-order batter.
As Sunrisers Hyderabad finalizes its preparations, Sharma’s ability to evolve from an unpredictable power-hitter into a reliable anchor will be closely monitored by selectors and analysts alike. Consistency remains the ultimate personal challenge for the talented opener.