"Didn't Know I Will Bowl": Abhishek Sharma On His Two-Wicket Haul vs Rajasthan Royals

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) all-rounder Abhishek Sharma didn't know if he would bowl in Qualifier 2 for his team against Rajasthan Royals, but he was ready for the challenge. Despite having bowled only three overs in IPL 2024 before this crucial match, Abhishek delivered a match-winning spell of 2 for 24, propelling SRH into the IPL final. Shahbaz (3-23) and Abhishek (2-24) collectively bowled nine overs, conceding only 57 runs on a pitch that became dry, and with dew not there, the duo made merry to take five wickets collectively and triggered an RR batting meltdown to beat them by 36 runs.

"To be honest, I didn't know I will bowl this match but I was very much ready with my bowling because I've been working really hard on my bowling," Abhishek said post-match. "The last two years it's been really good with my batting so I wanted to work on my bowling with my dad. So special mention to my dad."

"Patty (Pat Cummins) used the spinners really well. There was more turn in the second innings. (No dew, that's why more part-time spin) I think it's the pressure that I've put on our team in the practice session that's why maybe I got a chance (smiles). But Shahbaz and I did well. (IPL 2024 for him) It came from Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. We won the Trophy for Punjab and the momentum came from there. I had confidence for this season from the conversations in the meetings where the batters were given freedom." (Final) It is one of my dreams to play the IPL final, it is coming true this year."

While Abhishek had a stellar season with the bat, amassing 482 runs at a striking rate of 207.75 and hitting a record 42 sixes for an Indian batter in any IPL season, it was his left-arm spin that shone under the Chennai lights. Against RR's