IPL 2025: ‘Son Rises’ as Abhishek Sharma’s 141-run artistry and assault revives SRH fortunes

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"This one is for the Orange Army," read the note which Abhishek Sharma carried in his pocket. On Saturday, in Hyderabad, what this 24-year-old boy-turned-man from Amritsar produced on the canvas was strokes which were bold and beautiful and had creativity written all over it. A classy painter uses his brush, colours, a palette to create something which can fetch a fortune in an art auction market.

Young 'Sharmaji' was no less classy than a Picasso or a Rembrandt, stroking his way to shots which had authenticity and audacity painted all over it as he led Sunrises Hyderabad to one of the most thrilling victories over Punjab Kings in a run-fest which the IPL 2025 contest turned out to be.

They say, classical painters are mavericks and do stuff which is remembered for decades, even after their demise. The debris left behind by Abhishek Sharma after his frontal assault on the Punjab Kings bowlers was defining.

The voracious appetite turned into gluttony as 'Sharmaji' produced more variety of strokes than ever seen before to collar the Kings, arrest the the slide of defeats and script one of the most improbable wins in the history of the Indian Premier League.

Sample the stats produced by Abhishek Sharma: 141 runs off 55 deliveries, 14 boundaries and a hailstorm of sixes, 10 to be precise as Sharma and Travis Head, the mean machine from Australia, batted so crazily, they sent fans into delirium.

SRH were the runner-up in the IPL 2024 edition, having lost to Kolkata Knight Riders in the final. This season, the same spark was missing from SRH. Just as a total solar eclipse leaves the world reeling in darkness, tongues had started wagging as to how Sunrisers Hyderabad had failed to create the magic.

Sometimes, the wait to see the rising sun is delayed. If this sequence of losses for SRH was painful, the explosion from Abhishek Sharma heralded a bright phase. Before anyone says this match was a night episode and played under arc lights, there was a son if not sun to worship - Abhishek Sharma.

The IPL is about playing fearless cricket, a large heart, concentration which is so fierce, there cannot be an error. Yes, there was more than one dropped chance off Abhishek, but that blemish was made up with bold strokes where he invoked the guidance and blessings from his Guru, Yuvi Paaji (Yuvraj Singh).

Hang on, for someone born in the Holy City of Amristar where the Golden Temple attracts so many millions of different faith it is FAITH which matters. That Abhishek is blessed was reflected as he eclipsed even the usually manic scoring speed of Travis Head.

Understandable that, since the SRH side has struggled for form in IPL 2025. For this who love fresh talent, fresh legs, boys with and eye to time the shots and wrist work to attack the ball, Abhishek Sharma has packed a lot into his stroke production.

The bat was like a bludgeon at times when he was creating a geometric assault of sixes. For someone who does not play too much behind the wicket, he could show that facet as well. There are times when a masterclass from an athlete in any sport is so overwhelming, one loses focus of what had happened.

If it is boxing, a Muhammad Ali punch which breaks the jaw and sends the rival reeling on the canvas was clapped for. If it is baseball, what Hank Aaron did on home-runs was legendary.

Likewise, if one has to talk of something more close, more recent, Max Verstaappen pushing his Red Bull beast for a speedy run in Suzuka, Japan, last Sunday for one of the most classic wins in F1 stays etched in memory. As none other than seasoned Fernando Alonso said, only Max could have driven like a beast in blinding rain.

Lest you think there is nothing in common between cricket and the above-mentioned sports, don't get it wrong. Modern day white ball cricket in the T20 format is all about being brave, practicing shots and perfecting the sixes and fours.

Had it not been for all that, 'Sharmaji' would not have launched the helicopter shot against Marco Jansen, something which reminded you of an old man who leads CSK today, MS Dhoni.

For sheer eye, timing and execution, Abhishek Sharma read the ball early from the tall Jansen and pulled it from outside the off stump to send it as far as 106 meters over mid wicket. That was his manic effort where method in madness stood out.

For those who watched this fightback from SRH, as they snapped the losing streak in IPL 2025, lessons learnt, have faith. Abhishek showed it so beautifully as SRH won a contest where 492 runs were scored in 38.3 overs!