Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Abhishek Sharma has finally revealed the story behind his now-iconic ‘chit celebration’ during IPL 2025, where he pulled out a handwritten note from his pocket after scoring a blistering century against Punjab Kings. The note read, “This one’s for the Orange Army,” and instantly went viral across social media platforms. In a recent appearance on the YouTube show Breakfast with Champions, Abhishek credited veteran cricketer Shikhar Dhawan for inspiring the gesture through a powerful conversation on manifestation and mental conditioning.
“Shikhar bhai told me that manifestation is important. He invited me to his home and made me start writing in a diary. He said, ‘Don’t just visualize that you will do it—visualize that you are doing it. That you are the best player in India, that you’ve won matches for the team.’ That changed my mindset,” Abhishek shared.
Abhishek Sharma’s IPL 2025 century celebration – What the chit meant
| Match Details | Performance Highlight | Celebration Gesture |
|---|---|---|
| SRH vs PBKS (April 2025) | 141 runs off 55 balls (14 fours, 10 sixes) | Took out a chit reading “This one’s for the Orange Army” |
| Venue | Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad | Crowd erupted as gesture went viral |
| Result | SRH won by 8 wickets | Abhishek named Player of the Match |
Abhishek explained that he had developed a habit of journaling before every match, writing down affirmations and goals. On the day of the PBKS clash, he decided to write a short note instead and kept it in his pocket. “I forgot I had it when I reached fifty. But when I hit the hundred, I remembered and pulled it out. It was my way of thanking the fans and reminding myself that I had manifested this moment,” he said.
The celebration was widely praised for its authenticity and emotional depth, with fans and commentators calling it one of the most memorable moments of IPL 2025.
Abhishek Sharma’s 2025 season performance – IPL and Asia Cup
| Tournament | Matches Played | Runs Scored | Strike Rate | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPL 2025 | 13 | 439 | 193.39 | Century vs PBKS, 3 fifties |
| Asia Cup 2025 | 7 | 314 | 200.00 | Player of the Tournament, most sixes |
| Combined (2025) | 20 | 753 | 196.69 | Leading run-scorer in Asia Cup |
Abhishek’s form in 2025 has been nothing short of phenomenal. He topped the charts for most sixes and fours in the Asia Cup, where India defeated Pakistan in the final. His aggressive batting and fearless approach have earned him comparisons with modern-day greats, and his consistency has made him a strong contender for India’s T20 World Cup squad.
Shikhar Dhawan’s mentorship – Manifestation and mindset
| Mentor Name | Advice Given | Impact on Abhishek Sharma |
|---|---|---|
| Shikhar Dhawan | “Manifest that you’ve already done it” | Inspired journaling and chit celebration |
| Personal Meeting | At Dhawan’s residence | Led to mindset shift and confidence boost |
| Technique Shared | Visualization, affirmations, diary writing | Helped Abhishek stay mentally focused |
Dhawan’s influence on Abhishek goes beyond technical advice. The senior cricketer’s emphasis on mental strength, self-belief, and visualization has helped the young opener unlock a new level of performance. “I owe a lot to Shikhar bhai. He made me believe that I could be the best, and that belief showed in my batting,” Abhishek said.
The mentorship also highlights the growing importance of mental conditioning in modern cricket, where players are increasingly turning to journaling, meditation, and visualization to stay sharp under pressure.
Fan reactions and social media buzz – Chit celebration goes viral
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.5M mentions | 88% inspired | #ChitCelebration #AbhishekSharma |
| 1.2M interactions | 85% emotional | #OrangeArmy #ManifestationMoment | |
| YouTube | 950K views | 90% reflective | #SRHvsPBKS #AbhishekExplained |
| 870K views | 87% celebratory | #IPL2025 #CricketWithHeart |
The celebration struck a chord with fans across India and beyond, with many praising Abhishek’s humility and emotional connection to the game. Sports psychologists and commentators also lauded the gesture as a powerful example of how mental preparation can translate into peak performance.
SRH fans, known as the Orange Army, flooded social media with messages of support, calling Abhishek “the heartbeat of Hyderabad” and “the future of Indian cricket.”
What’s next for Abhishek Sharma – Future goals and team plans
| Upcoming Event | Role Expected | Team Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| T20 World Cup 2026 | Probable opener for India | Aggressive starts, powerplay dominance |
| SRH 2026 IPL Campaign | Retained as key player | Build around his form and leadership |
| Domestic Season | Captaincy role in Punjab team | Grooming leadership skills |
Abhishek has expressed his desire to continue journaling and using manifestation techniques as part of his routine. “It keeps me grounded and focused. Whether I score or not, I know I’ve prepared mentally,” he said.
In conclusion, Abhishek Sharma’s viral ‘chit celebration’ in IPL 2025 was more than just a quirky moment—it was a reflection of personal growth, mentorship, and the power of belief. With Shikhar Dhawan’s guidance and his own relentless drive, Abhishek is shaping up to be one of India’s most exciting cricketing talents.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available sports interviews, verified match data, and media commentary. It does not constitute prediction or endorsement of any player’s future selection. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. Readers are advised to follow official cricket board announcements for verified updates.
