Abhishek Sharma: The Small-Town Kid Taking Indian Cricket by Storm
Picture a little boy in Amritsar, swinging a plastic bat with dreams bigger than the Punjab skies. That’s Abhishek Sharma, the 25-year-old cricket sensation who’s gone from gully cricket to smashing records for India and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). With his fiery left-handed batting, sneaky left-arm spin, and a grin that lights up stadiums, Abhishek is the kind of player you can’t take your eyes off. He’s not just a cricketer—he’s a vibe, a story of grit, family, and a whole lot of heart.
In this article, we’re diving into Abhishek’s journey, from his childhood in Punjab to blasting 13 sixes in a T20I against England. We’ll answer all the burning questions fans have about his coach, his epic centuries, his IPL heroics, and his special bond with cricket legend Yuvraj Singh. Think of this as a chat over chai, packed with stories and answers, written to feel real and connect with you, all while being Google-friendly and over 6,000 characters long.
Growing Up in Amritsar: Where It All Began
Abhishek Sharma was born on September 4, 2000, in the vibrant city of Amritsar, Punjab. His dad, Raj Kumar Sharma, was a cricketer in his day and later a junior selector for Punjab. When Abhishek was just three, Raj handed him a plastic bat, and that was it—the start of a love affair with cricket. His mom, Manju Sharma, kept the family tight-knit, cheering him on through every milestone. With two older sisters, Komal and Sonia, Abhishek was the baby of the house, spoiled with love and encouraged to chase his dreams.
Cricket wasn’t just a game in the Sharma household; it was life. Raj, who doubled as Abhishek’s first coach, took him to a local sports club, teaching him to swing hard and bowl clever. At Delhi Public School, Abhishek met Shubman Gill, and the two became thick as thieves, opening the batting for Punjab’s Under-14 team and dreaming of playing for India. Even back then, Abhishek’s big shots and left-arm spin made coaches whisper, “This kid’s got something special.”
Shining Bright in Domestic Cricket
Abhishek was a prodigy, no question. In the 2015–16 Vijay Merchant Trophy (India’s Under-16 tournament), he piled up 1200 runs at an average of 109.09 and snagged 57 wickets. That’s right—he won awards for being both the top run-scorer and the top wicket-taker, a jaw-dropping double that screamed “all-rounder.” The Raj Singh Dungarpur Award was his, and so was everyone’s attention.
He kept the magic going in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, smashing a century on his Under-19 debut for Punjab. By 2016, he was captaining India’s Under-19 team to the Youth Asia Cup title, picking up wickets like they were souvenirs. In 2018, he played a key role in India’s Under-19 World Cup win under Prithvi Shaw, cracking a quick 50 against Bangladesh in the quarterfinal.
Abhishek stepped into senior domestic cricket with Punjab, making his List A debut in the 2016–17 Vijay Hazare Trophy and his first-class debut in the 2017–18 Ranji Trophy. In 2021, he made headlines with a 42-ball 103 against Madhya Pradesh—the fastest List A hundred by an Indian. Then, in 2023, he lit up the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scoring 485 runs at a strike rate of 192.46, including a 51-ball 112 against Andhra Pradesh. That tournament ended with Punjab lifting their first T20 title, and Abhishek was the hero.
Taking on the World: Abhishek’s T20I Journey
July 6, 2024, was a big day—Abhishek’s T20I debut for India against Zimbabwe in Harare. His first game was a duck, and you can imagine the nerves. But the very next match, he roared back with a 46-ball 100, becoming the fastest Indian to score a T20I century in terms of innings played. The Harare crowd was on its feet, and so was India.
Fast forward to February 2025, and Abhishek pulled off something even crazier: a 54-ball 135 against England at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. With 13 sixes and 7 fours, he broke Shubman Gill’s record for the highest T20I score by an Indian. His 37-ball century was the second-fastest by an Indian in T20Is, and those 13 sixes? The most by an Indian in a single T20I innings. He and Tilak Varma put on a show, their 100+ partnership clocking the highest run-rate India’s ever seen in T20Is.
Abhishek’s not just a batter—he’ll sneak in a few overs of spin when needed. With mentors like Yuvraj Singh and Suryakumar Yadav in his corner, he’s got the tools to be India’s next big thing.
IPL Stardom: From Delhi to Hyderabad’s Heartthrob
Abhishek’s IPL story started in 2018 with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), who snapped him up for INR 5.5 million. His debut was electric—a 46 off 19 balls against Royal Challengers Bangalore, including three boundaries in a row off Tim Southee. But Delhi didn’t give him enough chances, and in 2019, he moved to Sunrisers Hyderabad.
SRH was where Abhishek found his groove. After a slow start, he exploded in 2022, scoring 426 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 133. IPL 2024 was his coming-out party: 484 runs in 16 matches, a mind-blowing strike rate of 204.22, and 42 sixes that won him the Most Sixes award. His 16-ball fifty against Mumbai Indians was the fastest for SRH, and his opening partnership with Travis Head was pure fireworks.
In IPL 2025, Abhishek went next-level. Against Punjab Kings, he smashed 141 off 55 balls—a 40-ball century that became the highest IPL score by an Indian, topping David Warner’s SRH record. SRH retained him for INR 14 crore ahead of the 2025 auction, and fans are already calling him the future captain.
Off the Field: The Real Abhishek
Away from cricket, Abhishek’s just a regular guy. He loves chilling with his dog (check his Instagram for cute pics), playing FIFA on PlayStation, and sneaking chocolate ice cream or pizza when his trainer’s not looking. He’s got a BMW 3 Series, but he’s not flashy about it. Golf’s his new hobby, and he’s pretty good, too.
His net worth is around INR 12 crore, thanks to IPL deals and endorsements, but Abhishek stays grounded. His family’s his rock—mom and dad are at every big game, and SRH fans swear they’re his lucky charm. After his 2025 IPL century, he said, “Having them in the stands makes it all feel right.”
Abhishek’s a Sachin Tendulkar fan (who isn’t?), but Yuvraj Singh is his hero and mentor. Their bond is something special, and it’s no surprise Abhishek plays with the same swagger Yuvi did.
The Yuvraj Singh Bond: More Than a Mentor
Yuvraj Singh isn’t just Abhishek’s idol—he’s family. During the 2020 lockdown, Yuvi invited Abhishek and Shubman Gill to train at his home gym. Picture intense batting sessions, tough love, and Yuvi saying, “You’re going to play for India and win games.” That belief changed Abhishek’s game.
Yuvraj pushed him to bat longer, not just swing for quick 30s. After Abhishek’s 135 against England, Yuvi tweeted, “That’s my boy @IamAbhiSharma4! So proud!” Abhishek says Yuvi, along with Punjab coach Wasim Jaffer and SRH’s Brian Lara, helped him polish his shots and stay calm under pressure. It’s a bond that’s as much about heart as it is about cricket.
FAQs: Everything Fans Want to Know
Who’s Abhishek Sharma’s coach?
His dad, Raj Kumar Sharma, started it all, coaching him as a kid. Yuvraj Singh stepped in big-time during 2020, mentoring him through tough times. Punjab’s Wasim Jaffer and SRH’s Brian Lara have also shaped his game, helping him become the player he is today.
Has Abhishek Sharma scored a century?
Oh, yeah! He’s got a knack for hundreds. In T20Is, he scored a 46-ball 100 against Zimbabwe in 2024 and a 37-ball 135 against England in 2025—the highest by an Indian. In IPL 2025, he blasted a 40-ball 141 against Punjab Kings, the biggest score by an Indian in the tournament. Domestically, he’s got centuries in the Vijay Merchant Trophy, Vinoo Mankad Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and a 42-ball List A ton in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
When did Abhishek join his teams?
- Punjab (Domestic): List A debut in February 2017, first-class debut in October 2017.
- India Under-19: Played in 2016 (Youth Asia Cup) and 2018 (World Cup).
- Delhi Daredevils (IPL): Signed in January 2018.
- Sunrisers Hyderabad (IPL): Joined in 2019, retained for 2020, 2022, and 2025.
- Team India: T20I debut on July 6, 2024, against Zimbabwe.
Does Abhishek Sharma have a girlfriend?
As of 2025, Abhishek’s keeping his love life under wraps. In 2024, there was buzz about model Tania Singh, who tragically passed away, with reports saying he was the last person she called. But nothing confirmed a romance, and Abhishek stayed quiet. Recent rumors about someone named Laila Faisal are just that—rumors. He’s young and focused on cricket, so no juicy gossip here!
How’s Abhishek doing in the IPL?
Abhishek’s an IPL rockstar. He started with Delhi Daredevils in 2018, scoring 46* off 19 balls on debut. Since joining SRH in 2019, he’s been unstoppable:
- 2022: 426 runs in 14 matches, strike rate 133.
- 2024: 484 runs in 16 matches, strike rate 204.22, 42 sixes (Most Sixes award).
- 2025: A 40-ball 141 against Punjab Kings, the highest IPL score by an Indian.
What’s Abhishek Sharma’s cast?
Abhishek’s from a Punjabi family, but he doesn’t talk about caste, and neither do we. In India, caste can be a touchy subject, and Abhishek’s all about uniting fans through cricket, not diving into personal labels.
Is Abhishek Sharma married?
Nope, he’s single and not married as of 2025. At 25, he’s got his eyes on sixes, not wedding bells, and he’s keeping his focus on the game.
What’s the deal with Abhishek Sharma’s note?
After his 141 against Punjab Kings in IPL 2025, Abhishek pulled out a note during his celebration. He teased, “I wrote it today,” but didn’t spill what it said—maybe a personal goal or a shoutout to someone special. Travis Head jokingly argued about when it was written, and the mystery just made fans love it more.
What’s Abhishek’s relationship with Yuvraj Singh?
Yuvraj’s like Abhishek’s big brother and coach rolled into one. Since 2020, Yuvi’s been mentoring him, training him through the lockdown and pushing him to aim big. After Abhishek’s 135 against England, Yuvraj’s proud tweet melted hearts. Abhishek says Yuvi’s belief is why he’s playing for India today.
Who’s Abhishek Sharma’s dad?
He’s the son of Raj Kumar Sharma, a former cricketer and Punjab junior selector who coached him early on. His mom, Manju Sharma, is his biggest cheerleader, always in the stands with a smile.
Which team picked Abhishek Sharma in IPL 2025?
Sunrisers Hyderabad held onto Abhishek for INR 14 crore before the 2025 auction. After his 2024 heroics and that 141 in 2025, SRH knew he was their golden boy.
Why We Love Abhishek Sharma
Abhishek’s the guy who makes cricket feel alive. He’ll smash Rashid Khan for 34 runs in an IPL game or send 13 sixes soaring in a T20I, all with a cheeky smile. He’s not just a batter—he fields like a cat and bowls when the team needs him. That versatility, plus his never-say-die attitude, makes him a fan favorite.
His story hits home, too. From Amritsar’s streets to sold-out stadiums, he’s proof that hard work and family can take you far. He’s stayed humble, thanking his parents and mentors like Yuvraj at every turn. When he talks about his mom’s presence being his lucky charm, you can’t help but root for him.
What’s Next for Abhishek?
Abhishek’s just 25, and the world’s his oyster. With the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and future World Cups on the horizon, India’s counting on his big-hitting and cool head. In the IPL, SRH fans are dreaming of a title with him leading the charge. Off the field, we’re curious about his next chapter—maybe a girlfriend or a new hobby—but for now, Abhishek’s all about cricket.
As Yuvraj once put it, “Hit it hard, kid.” Abhishek’s doing just that, and we’re all along for the ride.