Abhishek Sharma Credits Travis Head for His Aggressive Batting Style in IPL

Abhishek Sharma, the World No.1 T20I batsman, credits teammate Travis Head for shaping his aggressive batting style in the IPL. He shares insights on Head's straightforward philosophy and discusses his own impressive performance this season, where he has scored 380 runs in eight matches. Sharma's evolving approach and experiences in the IPL highlight the competitive nature of the league as he prepares for a crucial match against the Mumbai Indians. Discover how Head's influence is making waves in Sharma's game.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 29, 2026, 12:57 IST

Influence of Teammate Travis Head

Abhishek Sharma, the opener for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and the top-ranked T20I batsman globally, has shared insights on how his teammate Travis Head has impacted his batting strategy. He noted that Head's aggressive approach has significantly influenced his performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

'Thrilled to Have Him as a Teammate'

In a conversation on JioStar, Abhishek expressed his admiration for Head, stating that he had been following the Australian's career for over a year before they became teammates. "I was excited when he joined SRH. My first question to him was about his batting mindset," Abhishek mentioned. He praised Head's adaptability across different formats and his fearless attitude towards bowlers, saying, "I respect how he excels in all formats and takes charge against the bowling attack."

Head's Straightforward Batting Approach

Abhishek revealed that Head shared a simple yet effective batting philosophy that has influenced his own approach at the crease. "He advised me to closely observe the ball, and if I feel confident, to go for the first delivery. I incorporated this advice into my practice sessions before the IPL," he explained. The young batsman has embraced a more aggressive style at the top of the order, stating, "Now, if the ball is in my zone, I aim to hit it right from the first ball."

Experience in the IPL

Sharma also discussed his experiences in the lucrative IPL, describing it as a gathering of the world's finest cricketers. "The IPL is the premier T20 league, and playing here is a privilege. I view each season as a chance to learn. Competing alongside and against top players is incredibly educational," he remarked.

Sharma's Impressive Performance in IPL 2026

Currently, in the IPL 2026 season, Sharma has scored 380 runs across eight matches, making him the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament, trailing only 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who has 400 runs in nine games. Sharma has achieved one century and three half-centuries, boasting an impressive strike rate of 212.29 and an average of 54.29, showcasing his explosive performance this season.

The SRH team is set to face the five-time champions, Mumbai Indians, in a crucial match at Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday.