A Mentor’s Concern Rooted in Hope

Recently Yuvraj Singh, the great encapsulation of the all-rounder cricketer from India, made a poignant self-declaration. When on the media screen, Yuvraj stated that he feels anxious and restless whenever he watches Abhishek Sharma bat in games. To hear that from Yuvraj may shock people, given Abhishek's aggressive and fearless batting style. However, Yuvraj ultimately made scrupulous qualifications to make clear that his restlessness was not because he was fearful for Abhishek, rather because he had massive expectations, following emotional investment with him over many years. As a mentor like Yuvraj, who has literally felt responsible for Abhishek's success whenever he has been around him since his youth, it is understandable why he would feel this way; he wants to see this young cricketer do so well for his own sake and for his country.

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Yuvraj Singh says he gets restless while watching Abhishek Sharma bat.
(📽 Curly Tales YT)pic.twitter.com/5MzBMHZJbG

— Sunrisers Army (@srhorangearmy) April 22, 2025

Also Read:-IPL 2025 playoff qualification scenario for all 10 teams

High Expectations from a Promising Talent

Whatever the case, Yuvraj (potentially projecting as something akin to cricket's Yoda) has seen some genius when observing Abhishek's exploits on the field. There is promise in the talent Abhishek is showing in domestic/cricket (waiting to see how he performs as a winner when the game is on the line). Yuvraj's and others' enormous hopes for Abhishek and admiration for his extent to baton fearless aggression at the top of the order harkens back to the legacy of old. Yuvraj along with (perhaps) others, has been the architect of Abhishek's development of technician discipline, technique precision, consistent temperament to intervene at critical junctures in the match, and aggression at every opportunity which, given what they have seen, they feel he can win matches for India. The reality is that the path to global uniformity is a slow one. Every mentor, member of Abhishek's development team, and Yuvraj's restlessness with watching Abhishek bat plays out the same tension of faith fusing with fear.

Indian former cricketer Yuvraj Singh recently opened up about his bond with the younger cricketing talents, Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma, and discussed the emotional rollercoaster he goes through seeing them play. Yuvraj Singh has been a mentor to these players and, also talking about his relationship with them, said , “I get nervous when Shubman or Abhishek are batting, be it for India or for their IPL teams.”

As has been reported, both Shubman and Abhishek represent Punjab, and so does Yuvraj, who has been their guiding World Cup-winning all-rounder. The two do recognize his contribution. Yuvraj has earned the reputation of an extremely disciplined mentor and is still in the apparatus of their careers, constantly providing support for any issues that arise in the form of suggestions and information, particularly when they are experiencing issues related to batting mechanics.

In a recent episode of the Curly Tales YouTube channel alongside his mother, Shabnam Singh, Yuvraj shared, “I feel nervous when Abhishek and Shubman are batting.” She also added with a touch of humor that “younger lots of cricketers are actually scared of Yuvraj because he is quite intimidating.”

 

 

 

 

 

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Also read: 'Dhoni has resigned to fate' – Aakash Chopra makes bold statement on MS Dhoni’s mindset amid IPL 2025

Yuvraj’s Monitoring on Punjab’s Cricketing Gems: Strict Mentor, Gentle Heart

Shabnam relayed that Yuvraj calling to review matches is the reason some players, such as Shubman and Abhsiek, get anxious. “He’ll call and say, ‘What kind of shot did you play?’ and they get petrified,” she said, smiling at how seriously he takes his role as a mentor.

In other news, Abhishek Sharma crossed a new milestone after getting his maiden BCCI central contract, which was under grade C due to his stellar performance in T20Is for India, where he scored two centuries. Shubman Gill, on the other hand, has also been performing great and maintained his position in grade A, which makes him one of the best Indian batters.

A Father's Advice, A Cricket Player's Rejuvenation

Abhishek Sharma, Punjabi left-handed dynamo opener, is one of India's most promising young stars. But his rise to stardom wasn't overnight—it was guided by hard discipline and timely advice. The process begins with Yograj Singh, father of Indian cricket sensation Yuvraj Singh, who imparted an invaluable lesson to his son: "If you can subdue Abhishek's nightlife, he'll become a fantastic cricketer."

During the COVID-19 lockdown, Yuvraj followed that advice. He invited Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill to his house—not for comfort, but for toil. The environment was all about discipline: no celebration, no late-night revelry—severe focus and effort. Yograj even joked that Yuvraj had kept slippers in readiness to punish them if needed, comparing Abhishek to a "wild horse" who needed severe handling.

This was a period that was to become a turning point in Abhishek's life. It was not just about learning to play cricket, but about acquiring mental resilience, habit, and dedication—qualities that were to stand him in good stead throughout his professional life.

Can I recommend someone @YUVSTRONG12??? pic.twitter.com/xj0T4Vmenk

— Ishan's🤫🧘🧡 (@IshanWK32) April 21, 2025

Also Read:-[WATCH] IPL 2025: Ayush Mhatre meets former Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma after his eventful debut match

IPL Brilliance and International Breakthrough

After the lockdown, the harvest of this stringent grooming was apparent. Abhishek set ablaze the season of 2024 IPL as Sunrisers Hyderabad player. His aggressive and fearlessness approach allowed him to amass 484 runs from up to 16 matches with a stunning strike rate of over 204. His partnership with Travis Head stood as one of the standout pairings of the tournament.

SRH's former captain Kane Williamson has been effusive in praise of Abhishek's exceptional talent, describing him as a "natural ball timer" with the unusual ability to change shots in mid-air—a skill so second-order even at the international level.

Within a matter of time from his IPL heroics, Abhishek received an Indian T20 call-up. He carried his form in the national jersey as well, scoring two centuries in only 17 T20I matches, having a strike rate close to 194 and an average above 33.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have had a rough run in IPL 2025, winning just two out of their seven matches so far. This poor performance has placed them near the bottom of the points table, putting immense pressure on the team. To keep their playoff hopes alive, SRH now needs to win the majority of their remaining games, making each upcoming match a must-win situation in this highly competitive season.

Their recent loss to Mumbai Indians (MI) proved costly, not just in terms of points but also in worsening their Net Run Rate (NRR). In the IPL, NRR plays a crucial role, especially when multiple teams are tied on points. A poor NRR can keep a team out of the playoffs, even if they have enough wins. This makes every run and wicket vital for SRH moving forward in the tournament.

While SRH’s bowling unit has shown glimpses of quality, their batting lineup has failed to consistently deliver. The team has struggled to produce balanced performances, often faltering in one department or the other. To stay in the playoff race, SRH will need both their bowlers and batters to rise to the occasion and perform as a cohesive unit in the remaining fixtures.

Matches Left for SRH

SRH still have seven matches to play in the league stage:

Home matches (in Hyderabad):

Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Delhi Capitals 
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Mumbai Indians
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders

Away matches:

Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Chennai Super Kings in Chennai
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Gujarat Titans in Ahemadabad
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bangaluru in Bengaluru
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow

See Also: IPL 2025: GT vs DC Match 35 - Narendra Modi stadium stats and preview

What SRH Needs to Do to Qualify

To qualify for the IPL 2025 playoffs, Sunrisers Hyderabad must aim to win at least six of their remaining seven matches. This would take them to 16 points, giving them a strong chance of making the top four. However, just winning may not be enough—they’ll need to ensure those victories come with significant margins to boost their Net Run Rate (NRR), which can be a crucial tiebreaker if multiple teams end the league stage with similar points.

Alongside chasing wins, SRH must focus on improving their consistency, especially in the batting department. While their bowlers have shown potential throughout the season, the batters haven’t delivered consistently. A balanced performance across departments is essential to convert close games into victories. With tough matches ahead, every player must step up and contribute, ensuring the team builds momentum and confidence. Winning consistently and maintaining a healthy NRR is SRH’s clearest path to securing a playoff spot this season.

The IPL 2025 clash between Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad took place at the Wankhede Stadium, with MI winning the toss and opting to bowl first. The decision proved wise as the pitch offered challenges for the batters. Sunrisers Hyderabad struggled to build momentum, finding it tough to rotate the strike and put up a dominant score. Mumbai’s disciplined bowling attack kept the pressure on, restricting scoring opportunities and capitalizing on the conditions effectively.

Among SRH’s batters, Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen were the only ones who looked relatively comfortable at the crease. Abhishek, coming off a century in the previous match against Punjab Kings, was expected to deliver big. However, he could only manage 40 runs off 28 balls, which included seven boundaries. Klaasen also tried to stabilize the innings, but the overall team performance with the bat lacked the spark needed to put up a massive total.

Also Read: IPL 2025, Match 33: Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Full Match Highlights

A light-hearted moment added some humor to the intense contest. During the match, Suryakumar Yadav was seen checking Abhishek Sharma’s pockets in a playful manner, seemingly searching for a hidden cheat sheet. The amusing interaction between the two players drew laughter and was a refreshing break from the high-stakes action on the field.

Watch the video here

Suryakumaryadav searching in abhishek pocket 😂😍#IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/bW5fMmv5Hv

— Interstellar (@alpha_JaSh) April 17, 2025

ALSO READ: Not Today! Dale Steyn’s big 300-run prediction for SRH goes completely wrong against MI

History about the incident

Abhishek Sharma, who recently scored a century against Punjab Kings, celebrated the milestone in a unique way by pulling out a chit from his pocket and showing it to the camera. The note read, "This one's for Orange Army," making it one of the most memorable celebrations in IPL history. His gesture was widely appreciated, highlighting his emotional connection with the fans and dedication to the Sunrisers Hyderabad team.

Interestingly, Abhishek’s opening partner Travis Head revealed that he had been carrying that chit in his pocket throughout all seven matches of the season. This fun detail added a layer of intrigue to the recent clash at Wankhede. During the game, Suryakumar Yadav was seen playfully checking Abhishek’s pockets, seemingly curious to see if the chit made another appearance. The light-hearted moment between the two players brought some comic relief and was enjoyed by fans and viewers alike.

A talent at the top. Abhishek Sharma's 141-run innings has become a new talking point for cricket lovers. The budding Indian opener from Sunrisers Hyderabad had broken multiple all-time IPL records with his innings against Punjab Kings last night (April 12) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Despite this ruthless innings, Abhishek Sharma was humble during the post-match interaction session.

Read More: ISL vs PES: Head to Head breakdown of PSL 2025

He thanked former Indian international Yuvraj Singh and current star batter of Team India Suryakumar Yadav for his match-winning 141 runs. Sharma said after the match, "Special mention to Yuvraj Paaji (Yuvraj Singh) as well because I have been talking to him as well, and I won't deny Mr. Suryakumar Yadav as well; he's been in touch, and he was there for me; he was talking to me; he knew that this was going to happen very soon, so thanks to him as well."

Indian cricket fans aware of the fact that the southpaw considers Yuvraj as his mentor. The rising star of Indian cricket has said about his connection with Singh multiple times before. Yadav also plays a role in his career. According to Sharma, their bond is special, and Surya knew that Abhishek could play something massive very soon.

𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭, 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 🫶

🎥 Abhishek Sharma credits Yuvraj Singh & Surya Kumar Yadav after producing one of the greatest #TATAIPL knocks 🤝#TATAIPL | #SRHvPBKS | @IamAbhiSharma4 | @YUVSTRONG12 | @surya_14kumar pic.twitter.com/feXGczTKdZ

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 12, 2025

Along with these two, Sharma also thanked SRH skipper Pat Cummins for his historical knock by saying, "A special mention to the team and the captain (Pat Cummins) because the atmosphere in the team was pretty much simple. It was, again, a straightforward message for all the batters, even though we were not doing that well, but somehow I knew inside me that I had to do something like this to get back in the winning streak, and probably I had a talk with Travis, and, you know, it was a special day for both of us."

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s explosive opener Abhishek Sharma delivered one of the most electrifying performances of IPL 2025 during their clash against Punjab Kings on Saturday. The left-hander unleashed a sensational assault on the PBKS bowlers, scoring a breathtaking 141 runs off just 55 balls. His blistering innings powered SRH to a record-breaking chase of 246 runs, finishing the job with 12 balls to spare. The win came at a crucial time for the team, which had been struggling after four consecutive losses. Abhishek's heroic knock not only ended their losing streak but also lifted the team from the bottom of the points table, injecting much-needed energy and belief.

What caught everyone’s attention even more was Abhishek’s unique celebration upon reaching his maiden IPL century. He pulled out a handwritten note from his pocket and held it up for the cameras. The message was simple yet heartfelt: "This one is for Orange Army." 

Also Read: [Watch] IPL 2025: Fans Chant 'Sanju Samson Hay Hay' at Agarwal College in Jaipur Ahead of Clash Against RCB

Later, during a post-match chat with the broadcasters, his opening partner Travis Head revealed an interesting detail behind the moment. Head shared that Abhishek had been carrying that note in his pocket since the beginning of the season, waiting for the right moment to reveal it. After five matches without a major contribution, it was finally in the sixth game that he delivered his finest performance yet and fulfilled his promise to the fans. It was not just a statement of intent but a touching tribute to the supporters who stood by SRH during their tough run.

 “The note has been in the pocket of Abhishek Sharma for 6 games, glad it came out tonight,” said the Australian batter. 

Special mention to Yuvraj Singh and Suryakumar Yadav:  Abhishek Sharma

Abhishek Sharma, who had been enduring a lean patch this season, bounced back spectacularly with a stunning knock of 141 off just 55 balls, guiding Sunrisers Hyderabad to a dominant eight-wicket victory over Punjab Kings. His explosive innings powered SRH to chase down a daunting target of 246, marking the second-highest successful run chase in IPL history. The win not only ended SRH’s four-match losing streak but also brought renewed hope to the team’s campaign.

"This one is very special, because I wanted to break that losing streak. Losing four back-to-back matches was very tough. But we never talked about it in the team. Special mention to Yuvi paji (Yuvraj Singh) and Suryakumar (Yadav) as well. They have been in touch with me," said Abhishek, after remarkable innings.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has evolved into a spectacular tournament showcasing breathtaking cricket over the years, and batsmen have been producing astonishing knocks time and again. The IPL has seen everything, ranging from power-hitting to graceful stroke play. Without further ado, let’s explore the top five sets of astonishing individual scores IPL has to offer:

Chris Gayle – 175 (66 balls) | RCB vs PWI, 2013*

CGS is not out; for sure, the score by Chris Gayle will last throughout IPL's existence. Hitting 175 runs single-handedly for Royal Challengers Bangalore with an exceptional strike rate of 265.15 earned Gayle a T20 record, which he still holds to this date, thanks to his jaw-dropping 17 sixes and 13 fours. Unleashing complete havoc on Pune Warriors India in Bengaluru will never be forgotten, nor will the chant “Gayle hit sixes” resonate throughout every IPL out there with 3-s reaching an unmatched feat.

Brendon McCullum – 158 (73 balls) | KKR vs RCB, 2008*

Also read: Top 5 fastest centuries while chasing in history of IPL

Setting the tone for the IPL, superstar player Brendon McCullom scored 158 not out for Kolkata Knight Riders against RCB in Bengaluru within the first 20-odd matches of the IPL in 2008, setting the tone for franchise blasting cholesterol-heavy Super Bowl. 10 fours along with 13 sixes sent Chinnaswamy Stadium into a joyful height unlike anything during his innings.

Abhishek Sharma—141 (55 balls) | SRH vs PBKS, 2025

In one of the most stunning performances to date, Abhishek Sharma scored a stellar 141 runs off just 55 balls against Punjab Kings for Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad. The young southpaw bludgeoned 14 fours and 10 sixes, boasting an unparalleled 256.36 strike rate. His innings stands as the highest score made by an Indian in the IPL.

Quinton de Kock – 140 (70 balls ) | LSG vs KKR, 2022*

Quinton De Kock’s unbeaten score of 140 came in a crucial match for Lucknow Super Giants facing KKR at D Y Patil Stadium in 2022. With 10 fours and 10 sixes, he became a part of a record partnership with KL Rahul and helped shape one of the most dominating innings ever seen in the league.

Also read: LSG VS CSK : Match 30 Weather and Pitch Report – IPL 2025

AB de Villiers—133 (59 balls) | RCB vs MI, 2015*

Mr. 360 degrees, AB De Villiers, put on a masterclass in 2015 against the Mumbai Indians at Wankhede, where he scored an unbeaten 133 off 59 balls. Attributed with 19 fours and 4 sixes, his innings was one of the most entertaining knocks in IPL history.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) batter Abhishek Sharma, with his 141-run innings, disrupts a total of 12 IPL and T20 records last night (April 12) against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Game 27, IPL 2025 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. It was the highest individual innings played by an Indian batter in the history of the Indian Premier League. With the help of Sharma's 55-ball, 141-run innings, SRH successfully chased down PBKS' 245. 

Read More: Top 5 fastest centuries while chasing in history of IPL

Milestones touched by Abhishek Sharma

1. Sunrisers Hyderabad chased down the second highest total in IPL history. The first was by Punjab Kings, when they defeated Kolkata Knight Riders last by chasing 262.

2. 245 was PBKS's's highest ever total in the first innings, which became pale when SRH won the match.

3. 141 was the highest ever score in an innings by an Indian batter and the third highest after Chris Gayle's 175* nd Brandon McCullum's 158*-run innings. 

4. During the making of a a 141-run innings, Sharma pulled out 10 over-boundaries, which was the most sixes by an SRH batter in an IPL innings.

5. Along with ten 6s, Abhishek hit 24 mind-blowing boundaries. Yashasvi Jaiswal also had a record of hitting twenty-four 4s. Gayle again top of the record chart with thirty 4s in an IPL innings. 

6. Abhishek Sharma, now the joint-third fastest batter to score fifty with less than 20 balls. He played 19 to complete his half-century. 

7. After Yusuf Pathan (37 balls century) and Priyansh Arya (39 balls century), Sharma is is now the third fastest batter to achieve his ton with 40 balls. 

8. After David Warner and Jonny Bairstow's 185 runs opening partnership, the the 171 runs partnership becomes the second-ond-best opening stance for Sunrisers Hyderabad. 

9. The The Sharma-Head duo together made another record with their 171, which was the run rate when they made the innings with a a 13.86 run rate, the third-highest partnership run rate.

10. The The PBKS vs SRH match created a record 172 in total during the power plays.Which is the second best after 213 runs in both PowerPlays combined by Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad at Delhi in IPL 2024.

11. Mohammed Shami becomes the second most expensive bowler after conceding 75 runs in 4 overs. 

12. Shami conceded a total of 7 sixes in his 4-overs quota and became the joint second bowler in IPL to concede 7 sixes. Yash Dayal is in first place with 8 sixes. 

Achieving a century in the IPL, with all its attendant pressures, is praiseworthy in itself, but completing it while chasing is an entirely different story filled with layers of complexity and excitement. Some of the hard-hitting batters in IPL have performed miraculous turnarounds all by themselves, which have truly been marvels of sporting theatrics. Following is the list of the best chasers and the fastest centuries completed in IPL history.

Yusuf Pathan – 100 in 37 Balls

Yusuf Pathan has single-handedly set the record for the fastest hundred in a run chase, who in 2010, while playing for Rajasthan Royals, had a jaw-dropping 100 off only 37 balls. Pathan almost propelled RR to chase a gigantic target against the Mumbai Indians, and although they fell just short, his innings remains one of the most iconic in IPL history.

David Miller – 100 in 38 Balls

David Miller has unfathomably earned the title of “Killer Miller,” which is in line with the ruthless persona he displayed when playing for the Kings XI IPL franchise. Just in 2013, while playing against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Miller had a phenomenal unbeaten run scoring 101 with just 38 balls. his onslaught was remarkable in turning what was a daunting target into a thrilling victory, and that innings is often hailed as one of the best in IPL history

Also read: RR vs RCB IPL Match Live streaming: Where & How to watch on TV

Abhishek Sharma – 100 in 40 Balls

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Abhishek Sharma showcased immaturity with 100 runs off 40 balls in IPL 2025. This dazzling performance has landed him a spot in the 2025 IPL elite club. In a Sunrisers Hyderabad chase, the talented young batter proved he could bat with both power and grace, which was a sight to behold. This performance further elevated his stature in Indian cricket.

Will Jacks—100 runs off 41 Balls

In IPL 2025, while competing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Will Jacks amazed fans with 100 runs off 41 balls. Jacks single-handedly led RCB to victory and nine runs over Sunrisers Hyderabad. His precise placement and powerful striking helped RCB secure a dominating win, further solidifying his reputation as an explosive player in the league, as his performance goes down in the history of IPL as one of the most destructive knocks ever.

Also read: LSG VS CSK : Match 30 Weather and Pitch Report – IPL 2025

Jonny Bairstow—100 runs off 45 Balls

In IPL, the England opener scored a mind-blowing century while chasing in 45 balls and maintained the trademark aggression and flamboyance he is known for. This knock ushered his team toward pivotal momentum in a close match, solidifying his image as one of the most fearful top-order batters in the IPL.