Abhishek Sharma opines on working with Brian Lara in IPL 2022

Sunrisers Hyderabad are taking on one of the two new entrants Gujarat Titans in the group stage match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022, which is being played at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Mumbai. SRH, after suffering a couple of losses, have managed to get back on track after defeating the defending champions Chennai Super Kings in the previous match.

After a couple of poor outings, young opener Abhishek Sharma played to expectations in the previous match and was adjudged the Player of the Match. The left-handed batter played an excellent knock of 75 runs off 50 balls, including five fours and three sixes. Abhishek and skipper Kane Williamson added 89 runs for the opening wicket, setting up the run chase of 155 nicely for SRH.

Brian Lara helped not just me but a lot of youngsters: Abhishek Sharma

After playing a vital knock, Abhishek has emphasized on the fact that spending time with the batting coach Brian Lara has helped him live up to his potential.

“We had a four-day rest after the second game. During the practice sessions at the time, Brian sir helped not just me but a lot of youngsters in the team. He told me, in particular, to just think positively and be wise with picking the balls (to go after). I just followed that and it has helped me a lot,” said Abhishek during a conversation with SRH.

“We all know that when Kane plays well he makes sure we win. He just told me that he will play his natural game and I should go with my instincts so that is my role as his opening partner,” he added.

Meanwhile, SRH after opting to bowl first against GT, have restricted the new entrants for 162/7 in their 20 overs. Pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar and T Natarajan were the pick of the bowlers for the Orange Army, scalping two wickets each. Skipper Hardik Pandya was the top-scorer for GT, remaining unbeaten on 50 runs. SRH will require 163 runs to win their second consecutive match.