Abhishek Sharma reveals his father still not satisfied despite record-breaking 141-run knock against PBKS, says 'If you zoomed in on him...you'd see...'

When Sunrisers Hyderabad played Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 on Saturday, April 12, Abhishek Sharma came back to form in spectacular fashion. The left-handed opener helped the SunRisers chase down 246 runs, the second-highest successful run chase in the competition's history, after they had suffered a dismal start to the season—only 51 runs in five games. He slammed 141 off just 55 deliveries. Early in the innings, Abhishek, who had fought a fever before Saturday's game, had trouble with his timing. But as the innings went on, he settled into a groove. He did not hesitate despite his slow start; rather than fumbling around, he pursued the bowling with purpose.

His scorching 141, which included 10 sixes and 14 boundaries, was the third-highest individual score in IPL history, after Chris Gayle's 175 not out in 2013 and Brendon McCullum's 158 not out in 2008. With his parents in the grandstand at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Abhishek commemorated his century and the historic victory. With his proud parents by his side, the young Punjabi batter posed for a sweet picture while holding the Player of the Match trophy.

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Abhishek Sharma says his father might not be satisfied

During his slump earlier in the season, Abhishek said his father, Raj Kumar Sharma, had inspired him. In a humorous remark, Abhishek said that his father wanted him to finish the game because he was still not entirely happy with his innings against PBKS. SRH still needed 24 runs when Abhishek was removed in the 17th over. But before he walked back to a standing ovation, he had already done most of the damage.

"It was very special. My father has been coming to watch my matches since my Under-14 days. If you zoomed in on him during my innings, you'd see him signalling to me, telling me which shots to play - 'play this shot, play that shot'. He was my first coach. It's very special to have done this in front of my mother and father," Abhishek said.

"I think it's my highest score in the IPL. My father keeps telling me to finish games, so he's still not satisfied. There's always room for improvement. I'll keep working hard," he added.

Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma opened with a 171-run partnership in just 12.2 overs. Head started things up by smashing the PBKS bowling assault with a strong 66 off 37 balls. Despite putting 245 runs on the board, Shreyas Iyer's team had a difficult night and lost.