Abhishek Sharma’s Record IPL Knock Breaks Superstition as Father Watches Him Live for the First Time

Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Abhishek Sharma delivered a record-breaking performance against Punjab Kings on Saturday night, scoring 141 runs off just 55 balls in one of the most explosive knocks in IPL history. While the cricket world celebrated his feat, a special moment was unfolding in the stands — it was the first time his father, Raj Kumar, had ever watched him play live in the IPL.

Despite his son’s growing fame, Raj Kumar had always avoided attending Abhishek’s matches due to a long-standing superstition. But on April 12, 2025, in Hyderabad, that changed. And it became a night the Sharma family — and Sunrisers fans — would never forget.

‘For 30 seconds, I blamed myself’

Raj Kumar, who admits to being deeply superstitious, was hesitant when Abhishek invited him to watch the match. Eventually, Abhishek convinced his father to attend by booking tickets himself. However, nerves kicked in when Abhishek was dismissed in the fourth over — or so it seemed.

“I am superstitious. I used to think he wouldn’t do well if I was there,” Raj Kumar told Times of India. “Even last night, when he was dismissed off a no-ball, for those 30 seconds, I blamed myself. But then the sixes started flying, and I was on my feet cheering.”

Abhishek’s powerful innings included 14 fours and 10 sixes, making it the highest-ever score by an Indian in IPL history and the third-highest overall. His 141-run blitz powered Sunrisers Hyderabad to a successful chase of 246, the second-highest chase in IPL history, with eight wickets and nine balls remaining.

Mother’s joy and Hyderabad’s celebration

Abhishek’s mother, Manju Sharma, expressed her joy in a video shared by the IPL. “Everyone is happy. I’m happy too. The whole of Hyderabad is celebrating that we won the match,” she said. “There was a lean patch, but now it’s over. From here, the team will keep winning.”

After the match, the family celebrated together at the team hotel. Even Sunrisers Hyderabad owner Kavya Maran was seen congratulating the Sharma family, highlighting how emotional the night was not just for Abhishek, but for everyone who witnessed the milestone.

Abhishek’s message for the Orange Army

Abhishek completed his century in just 40 balls, making it the sixth-fastest ton in IPL history. After reaching the milestone, he held up a handwritten note that read, “This one is for the Orange Army,” dedicating his knock to the loyal Sunrisers Hyderabad fans.

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer was seen approaching him to read the message on the chit. The gesture summed up the emotional intensity of the night.

With this innings, Abhishek not only turned around his own form — having scored just 51 runs in five previous innings — but also helped his team climb up the IPL 2025 points table. As the tournament continues, both fans and his family will hope this is just the beginning of a remarkable season.

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