Abhishek Sharma: The Explosive Indian Opener and Rising All-Round Star
Early Life and Cricketing Journey
Abhishek Sharma was born on September 4, 2000, in Amritsar, Punjab. Trained by his father, Raj Kumar Sharma, Abhishek showed immense talent from an early age. While studying at Delhi Public School, he developed a strong bond with fellow cricketer Shubman Gill. His breakthrough came when he scored a century on debut in the U-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy, where he amassed over 1,200 runs at an average of more than 100.
He later captained Punjab’s Under-19 team to victory in the 2016 U-19 Asia Cup and played a crucial role in India’s successful campaign at the 2018 U-19 World Cup.
Domestic Cricket and Records
Abhishek made his Ranji Trophy debut in 2017–18 for Punjab. He quickly gained attention with his aggressive batting style and handy left-arm spin. In the 2023–24 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he emerged as the second-highest run scorer with nearly 500 runs at a strike rate close to 193.
In List-A cricket, he holds the record for the fastest century by an Indian, reaching three figures in just 42 balls. This remarkable achievement underlined his ability to dominate bowlers in limited-overs formats.
IPL Breakthrough and Stardom
Abhishek Sharma made his IPL debut in 2018 with Delhi Daredevils, where he smashed 46 runs off just 19 balls in his first match. In 2019, he moved to Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he has been a consistent performer.
The 2025 IPL season was a turning point in his career. He scored a breathtaking 141 runs off 55 balls, the highest individual score by an Indian in IPL history. His ability to provide explosive starts made him one of the most valuable young players in the league.
International Cricket Career
Abhishek earned his maiden call-up for India’s T20I team in 2024 during the Zimbabwe series. He announced his arrival with a brilliant century in just his second match, becoming the fastest Indian to achieve the feat.
In February 2025, he smashed 135 runs off 54 balls against England, the highest T20I score by an Indian. With an average above 30 and a strike rate close to 200 in international T20s, Abhishek has quickly become one of India’s most dependable power-hitters.
Personality and Off-Field Life
Apart from his explosive batting, Abhishek Sharma is admired for his calm personality and disciplined mindset. He maintains a habit of journaling his thoughts to stay focused, a practice inspired by senior cricketers.
His popularity has grown beyond the cricket field. He has also appeared on popular TV shows, showcasing his charm and winning over fans with his down-to-earth nature.
Earnings, IPL Price, and Net Worth
Abhishek’s success has also translated into significant financial gains. In the 2025 IPL auction, he was signed for ₹14 crore, making him one of the highest-paid young players. Along with his BCCI annual contract, his estimated net worth is between ₹12–15 crore.
Future Outlook
Currently ranked among the top T20I batsmen in the world, Abhishek Sharma is set to play a key role in India’s future cricket campaigns. With the Asia Cup and upcoming World Cup on the horizon, he is expected to be one of India’s most reliable openers alongside his childhood friend Shubman Gill.
Quick Facts About Abhishek Sharma
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Role | Left-handed opener and left-arm spinner |
| Date of Birth | 4 September 2000 |
| Domestic Team | Punjab |
| IPL Team | Sunrisers Hyderabad |
| IPL Price (2025) | ₹14 Crore |
| Notable Record | Highest T20I score by an Indian (135) |
| Net Worth | ₹12–15 Crore (approx.) |
Final Thoughts
Abhishek Sharma’s rise is a story of talent, hard work, and fearless cricket. From dominating youth tournaments to breaking records in the IPL and international cricket, he has shown that he is here to stay. With his explosive batting, useful bowling, and calm temperament, Abhishek represents the next generation of Indian cricket superstars.
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