I and Travis Head have become good friends off the pitch, have started spending more time: Abhishek Sharma

Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma. (Photo Source: IPL)

The Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) picked up their seventh win of the IPL 2024 by defeating the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by 10 wickets at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad on Wednesday. The home team successfully chased down the target of 166 runs in 9.4 overs for a crucial victory and moved to No. 3 in the standings. Abhishek Sharma (75* runs) spoke exclusively to JioCinema on Match Centre Live about his relationship with Travis Head, his approach while batting, and how he tackled the LSG bowlers.

“I don’t think anyone plays better spin than Travis. The shots he hit off K Gowtham, normally batters can’t do that, that shows how special he is. He’s very clear, whenever I talk to him, the way he compliments me, I have always been a big fan of him over the last year that I have followed him. When our understanding was established and our partnership improved, we became good friends off the pitch and have started spending more time.”

On his fearless approach, Sharma said – “I think this approach was something I took on during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. I feel when I play this way, look at the ball, and react, my shots come off better and the bowler comes under pressure. I always thought if I play in the IPL, I’ll try to maintain this. Our support staff and Pat (Cummins), the way they think, I have never seen anyone else think like that. They’re like, ‘Go out there and express yourself. Play as aggressively as you can, we’ll back you.’ I think that matters a lot.”

Sharma also discussed how he tackled the LSG bowlers – “They were bowling cutters in the middle. I thought the cutters could slow down on their way, but Travis and I had planned to play it the way you would hit a spinner with the spin. So, if it’s an off-cutter, we look to hit towards long-off covers. If it’s a leg cutter, obviously we look at mid-wicket or mid-on.”