Anil Kumble Encourages Abhishek Sharma to Embrace Maturity This IPL Season

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) prepares to commence on March 28, only the first 20 matches have been announced due to ongoing state elections. Former Indian cricketer Anil Kumble believes that Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Abhishek Sharma should adopt a more balanced approach while batting this season. He compared Sharma to the aggressive Virender Sehwag, emphasizing the need for him to pace his innings effectively. “Sehwag was known for his aggressive play, but he learned to adjust his strategy when transitioning across formats. While he maintained a strike rate of 140-150, Abhishek should focus on being steady rather than chasing an unattainable strike rate of 300. It’s crucial to play a substantial number of balls,” Kumble remarked during an interview on JioStar. Kumble highlighted Sanju Samson as a model for Sharma, noting how Samson’s ability to bat deeper has often led him to score between 85 and 90 runs. “If Abhishek faces 20 balls, he could be nearing that 50-run mark. We saw this with Samson, who consistently capitalized on his opportunities by going deeper into innings, which is essential in T20 cricket. SRH will be counting on this maturity from Abhishek this season,” Kumble added. Former South African star AB de Villiers reflected on Sharma’s previous IPL performance, emphasizing the need for him to take on more responsibility. “At 25, Abhishek is at an age where he must step up. With growing media scrutiny and calls for consistency, it’s crucial for him to deliver. His performance during the T20 World Cup was somewhat inconsistent, though he did finish strong in the final. While his IPL 2025 stats were remarkable—averaging in the 30s with a strike rate close to 200—there’s room for improvement,” de Villiers commented. De Villiers concluded by discussing the pressures of being ranked the number one T20I batsman globally, underscoring the mental challenges that accompany such expectations. “Consistency is key, and it’s a mental hurdle he must conquer. Holding the top spot internationally brings its own set of pressures, and he must navigate those challenges throughout the season ahead,” he said.