IPL 2024, PBKS vs SRH Strategic Corner - How Can Rabada & Co Stop Abhishek Sharma?
Abhishek Sharma has been in red-hot form in IPL 2024 (AP)
Abhishek Sharma’s best-ever IPL campaign came in 2022, in which he tallied 426 runs over 14 innings at an average of 30.43 while striking at 133.13. The last-mentioned number has gone up to 217.57 in IPL 2024, having aggregated 161 runs in four innings.
Needless to say, Abhishek is on his way to having a season to remember this year, and who knows, it could take him to an all-important national call-up for India.
As Punjab Kings are set to take on Sunrisers Hyderabad on Tuesday in Punjab’s Mullanpur, the focus will be on how Abhishek will play in his native state for the Hyderabad-based franchise.
Of course, Punjab have plenty of weaponry in their bowling attack, but they must tactically set a plan in order to dismiss Abhishek early.
Why will Abhishek Sharma be a threat for Punjab Kings?
- Abhishek knows Punjab’s conditions very well, as he plays for the state in India’s domestic competitions across formats.
- Punjab’s bowling attack has not been up to par this season and Abhishek’s supreme ball-striking ability is making the matter even worse for Kagiso Rabada and his troops.
- Abhishek can swing hard, and the fact that Travis Head has been in sublime touch gives him the luxury to play at his natural approach. It would have been a problem if Rahul Tripathi and Mayank Agarwal, struggling to time the ball earlier, would still partner with him.
Plan Against Abhishek Sharma
A special talent like no other, Abhishek tends to play aggressively right from the get-go. So naturally, he has lost his wicket in all four matches, and in all cases, the manner of dismissals was a simple catch-out.
Rahul Chahar has a spectacular record against Abhishek, dismissing him twice in 10 balls while scoring only seven. Therefore, don't be surprised if Chahar comes to attack early ahead of some of the prolific fast bowlers.
Out of four dismissals, Abhishek was dismissed thrice when the bowlers were attacking at the leg stump line. In addition, there were two occasions when the wicket deliveries were pitched at good length. Hence, expect Punjab bowlers to do their homework, and not bowl at Abhishek's range.
Abhishek Sharma's dismissals in IPL 2024
| Bowler | Wicket Type | Phase | Ball Type | Line | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andre Russell | Caught | Middle Overs | Bouncer | Outside Leg stump | Short Length |
| Piyush Chawla | Caught | Middle Overs | Faster One | Leg stump | Good Length |
| Mohit Sharma | Caught | Middle Overs | Angled Across | Leg stump | Good Length |
| Deepak Chahar | Caught | Powerplay | Straight Ball | Outside Off stump | Full Length |
Hence, it is safe to say that if PBKS bowlers execute what needs to be done against the 23-year-old, you won’t see his carnage last long in Mullanpur, let alone not happen at all.
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