Hyderabad, Apr 12 (UNI) Abhishek Sharma credited cricketing stalwarts Yuvraj Singh and Suryakumar Yadav for helping him navigate a tough phase in his career, after a blistering knock earned him the Player of the Match award and powered Sunrisers Hyderabad to a much-needed win.

"Special mention to Yuvi paaji, I’ve been talking to him. And also thanks to Suryakumar Yadav – I’ve been in touch with him, and he has been there for me," said Abhishek, speaking emotionally after the game.

The young left-hander, who had been under pressure following a dip in form, turned the tide with a fluent and inventive innings that delighted the home spectators. "It’s not easy for any player to go through that form," he said.

"Special mention to the team and captain – very simple message to the batsmen, although I was not doing well. Had a talk with Travis and it was a special day for both of us."

Abhishek experimented with his game to suit the surface, revealing he had tried out new shots. "I never play anything behind the wicket, but I was trying a few shots today because I wanted to invent some, given the size and the bounce on this wicket."

A particularly heartwarming moment came when he mentioned the presence of his family. "The whole team is waiting for my parents. They are very lucky for the team and the Orange Army."

"We did not talk anything; we just wanted to express ourselves and play the natural game," he said of the team’s approach.

"This one is very special. I was thinking that I wanted to break the losing streak – it was very tough as a player and as a youngster, but the mood in the team was very good."

With a renewed sense of confidence and backing from mentors and teammates alike, Abhishek’s return to form is a welcome boost for SRH as they look to build momentum in the season.

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