IPL 2025: Abhishek Sharma’s record-breaking 141 — what sets him apart and what it means for SRH’s campaign?
“This one is for you.” The message scribbled on Abhishek Sharma’s celebration note wasn’t just a gesture—it was a declaration. A declaration of redemption, of intent, and of a young cricketer’s inner fire finally finding its voice on the grandest stage.
On a record-breaking night at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, Abhishek Sharma unleashed one of the most explosive innings in IPL history. His 141 off just 55 deliveries, studded with 14 fours and 10 sixes, didn’t just help Sunrisers Hyderabad chase down a mammoth 246-run target against Punjab Kings—it shattered the record for the highest individual score by an India player in IPL history. It was brutal, beautiful, and blistering all at once.
Calm before the storm
What made this innings even more special was the journey leading up to it. Abhishek had endured a quiet start to the IPL 2025 season. In his first five outings, he failed to clear the ropes even once—not a single six to his name.
Questions were raised, doubts floated, and pressure began to mount on the young left-hander who was once touted as the future of India’s T20 batting. But instead of caving in, Abhishek took the criticism in his stride. He knew that form is temporary, but class—especially the fearless kind—has a way of roaring back.
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An onslaught for the ages
Against Punjab, he didn’t just roar back—he exploded. Opening alongside Travis Head, who himself hammered a quick 66 off 37, Abhishek went into full attack mode. The duo stitched a 171-run partnership in just 12.2 overs, effectively killing the contest before the death overs even began. Abhishek was ruthless—pulling, cutting, lofting, and flicking with precision and power. He targeted every bowler with intent, never letting Punjab breathe. Even the smallest of errors in line or length were punished mercilessly.
The highlight? The way he shifted gears post-powerplay. Having been handed a lifeline when a no-ball saved him early on, Abhishek made Punjab pay the price tenfold. Every shot was a counter-punch to the pressure that had been building over the last few games.
𝐁𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐌𝐎𝐃𝐄: 🔛
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 12, 2025
🎥 Catch a glimpse of how Abhishek Sharma raced towards a record knock of an explosive 141 (55) 🧡🔥
Updates ▶ https://t.co/RTe7RlYbGY#TATAIPL | #SRHvPBKS | @SunRisers pic.twitter.com/8vjvkKYPMS
Abhishek Sharma is the best attacker of fast and spin bowling in the world. 100 of just 40 balls.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) April 12, 2025
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A celebration that spoke volumes
When he reached his century—the second-fastest by an SRH batter and the quickest ever against Punjab Kings—Abhishek didn’t break into an animated celebration. Instead, he pulled out a folded note from his pocket. “This one is for you,” it read. A simple yet powerful message that reflected everything this knock meant—for himself, for his team, and for those who believed in him even when the runs weren’t coming.
We have been seen a very special young man play a very special innings. One of the great innings in #IPL history.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 12, 2025
A Statement for SRH, A Spark for Revival
Abhishek Sharma’s knock wasn’t just a personal milestone—it was a statement for Sunrisers Hyderabad. The team had lost four matches in a row and looked out of sync. Questions around leadership, batting combinations, and team morale were doing the rounds. But this performance lit a fire. It was a reminder that SRH still has the firepower to rise, to fight back, and to make a statement in IPL 2025.
The 8-wicket win, with nine balls to spare, is now the second-highest successful chase in IPL history. But more than just the numbers, it marks a turning point. A struggling franchise finding its rhythm. A young star finding his voice. And perhaps, the start of a thrilling second half of the season for Sunrisers.
As for Abhishek Sharma, if this knock is the benchmark, IPL 2025 better buckle up—because he’s only getting started.
Abhishek’s incredible hand speed and the way he manages to get under the ball to send it miles is fantastic to watch. A knock for the ages. Keep it up! pic.twitter.com/LDqImhIsFq
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) April 12, 2025
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