Travis Head hails ‘Rockstar’ Abhishek Sharma, says SRH openers feel no extra pressure ahead of PBKS clash

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) opener Travis Head praised his batting partner Abhishek Sharma ahead of the IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings (PBKS). SRH are currently facing the Shreyas Iyer-led side at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on Saturday (April 11).

Punjab Kings are in second position on the points table after securing five points from three matches. Sunrisers Hyderabad are in sixth place with only two points from three games. SRH, led by Ishan Kishan, are desperately looking to improve their batting performance against the Punjab bowling attack.

I Don't Think We Add Any More Pressure - Travis Head

Travis Head emphasized the importance of managing expectations while opening the batting innings with Abhishek Sharma. The Australian cricketer said that starting well provides a massive advantage without adding unnecessary pressure on the opening partnership.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

"(How's your form?) Mixed form. The start, early days, so plenty to play for obviously today, but we've probably played one really, really good game, one not-so-good game, and one par game, so we know what our best is now after playing in Kolkata, so trying to do that as many times as possible. We're always feeling good, we're in a good space, we train hard, we prepare well, so probably more so on how we play rather than feel," Head stated.

"(Pressure to give good starts for the openers?) It's pressure with everything, so I don't think we add any more pressure by going out and playing as a partnership. We know if we can start well, it gives us a great platform. This game's pretty brutal, we can't do that every time. You try your best, you play your best, but this competition is full of pressure, so we don't want to feel any added pressure as it is," he added.

We Get Another Opportunity To Do That - Travis Head

Travis Head further stated that he is comfortable with an aggressive batting approach during the powerplay overs. Head also expressed his enjoyment of taking calculated risks during these intense Indian Premier League matches.

"(On being aggressive always) That's why you play the game, it's enjoyable. Yeah, you like to go out there and try to set the platform for the team. It's the job that we've been put into, and we know if we do well that we can set the game up for the rest of the boys. So that's the challenge. We get another challenge and we get another opportunity to do that today," Head explained.

He's A Rockstar - Travis Head on Abhishek Sharma

Before the ongoing match, Travis Head scored 64 runs in three innings at a strike rate of 168.42. Meanwhile, Abhishek Sharma managed 55 runs at a strike rate above 177.

Head concluded the media interaction by revealing his on-field conversations with Abhishek Sharma, delivering strong praise to his young Indian batting partner.

"Not too much. He's a rockstar, so I just let Abhi do his thing," Head concluded.

Also read: Controversy! Rajasthan Royals staffer caught using phone beside Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during RCB clash