Superstition Shattered! Abhishek Sharma’s Parents Witness Historic Six-Fest in Hyderabad
Hyderabad: In a night charged with emotion and explosive cricket, Abhishek Sharma shattered records and superstitions alike, smashing a breathtaking 55-ball 141 for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. What made the moment even more special? His parents, Raj Kumar and Manju Sharma, were in the stands for the first time during an IPL match, witnessing their son’s historic knock and the dawn of a new chapter for SRH.
After the match, Punjab Kings’ pacer Arshdeep Singh, a long-time friend of Abhishek since their Under-14 days, couldn’t resist a light-hearted plea to Raj Kumar Sharma in the stands. “Uncle ji, jehda aashirvaad enhu daindo o, oh wala deo mainu v…same chahida mainu (Uncle, give me the same blessings you give to Abhishek, I want them too),” Arshdeep quipped, referencing his friend’s sensational performance. Raj Kumar, beaming with pride, shared with TimesofIndia.com, “I told him there’s no difference between him and Abhi for me. I’ve seen them grow up together since they barely knew how to lace their boots.”
For Raj Kumar, this was no ordinary night. A self-confessed superstitious man, he had avoided watching Abhishek play live in the IPL, fearing his presence might jinx his son’s form. “I used to think he wouldn’t do well if I was there,” he admitted with a chuckle. “Even last night, when he was dismissed off a no-ball, for those 30 seconds, I started blaming myself.” But as Abhishek unleashed a barrage of sixes—hitting a staggering 16 sixes in his innings, the second-highest in IPL history—Raj Kumar found himself on his feet, superstition forgotten amidst the roar of the Hyderabad crowd.
Abhishek’s journey to this night hadn’t been smooth. After SRH’s flying start to the season with a 44-run victory over Rajasthan Royals, the team stumbled, losing four consecutive matches. Struggling with just 51 runs in five outings, a dejected Abhishek turned to his family for solace. “He booked the tickets himself and convinced me to fly to Hyderabad,” Raj Kumar recalled, initially hesitant due to his superstitions. But the decision paid off. With his parents in the stands, Abhishek rediscovered his mojo, delivering a knock that not only silenced critics but also reignited SRH’s campaign.
At the post-match presentation, the 24-year-old left-hander couldn’t hide his emotions. “I’ve been waiting for them. My whole team was waiting for my parents because they’ve been lucky for SRH,” Abhishek said, acknowledging the role his family’s presence played. His mother, Manju Sharma, echoed the sentiment in a video shared by the IPL. “Sab ko khushi hai, ma ko bhi khushi hai, pure Hyderabad ko khushi hai ki hum match jeete hain (Everyone is happy, I’m happy too, the entire Hyderabad is celebrating our win),” she said with infectious optimism. “Thoda stop lag gaya tha, lekin ab nahi lagega, ab continue chalega (There was a lean patch, but now the team will keep winning).”
Beyond the emotional family reunion, Abhishek’s innings showcased a newfound maturity. Last year, on his birthday, mentor and former India star Yuvraj Singh had playfully taunted him in an Instagram video for always aiming to hit sixes rather than playing sensible cricket. “Single bhi le lo Maharaj (Take a single at least),” Yuvraj had teased. Fast forward to Saturday, and Abhishek stunned everyone, including Yuvraj, by calmly taking singles at 98 and 99 to complete his century. A delighted Yuvraj posted on X: “Waah Sharma ji ke bete! 98 pe single phir 99 pe single! Itni maturity hazam nahi ho rahi (Well played, Abhishek! I can’t digest this maturity of taking singles at 98 and 99).”
Raj Kumar, too, was pleasantly surprised by his son’s composure. “The great thing about this knock was that he didn’t throw away his wicket after scoring his century. I was nervous at 98, praying he’d just take a single,” he admitted. With this innings, Abhishek not only dispelled his father’s superstitions but also cemented his reputation as one of the most exciting young talents in the IPL, boasting a strike rate of over 200 in the tournament.
For SRH, reeling from recent disappointments, this victory—propelled by Abhishek’s heroics—could be the turning point. As Raj Kumar plans to stay by his son’s side for the remaining matches, refusing to return to Amritsar anytime soon, the city of Hyderabad dares to dream again. One thing is clear: with family blessings and a bat on fire, Abhishek Sharma is ready to take the IPL by storm.