For close to a year now, Sharma has been hailed as one of the most talented youngsters in Indian cricket. Stylish and elegant to watch, the right handed batsman was one of the few bright sparks for the Hyderabad IPL team last year in the first edition when his more distinguished colleagues failed to get going.

However, Sharma does not think there would be any pressure on him to shine bright again: “There is no pressure on me. Yes, it was a challenge for me last year but I would be focussing on the IPL in South Africa.

“A different venue would mean some adjustments but I am confident.”

In fact, Sharma said last year’s experience in the IPL would help him continue with the good show.

Gritty and determined batting ensured some good runs for him on the IPL scoreboard last year.

The young batsman would remember South Africa for more reasons than one. It was there, during India’s Twenty20 World Championship triumph in 2007 that Sharma announced his arrival in world cricket with a bang.

Not many Indian cricket fans would forget his scintillating fifty against South Africa in a league game and his breezy partnership with Indian skipper MS Dhoni that eventually helped the team win.

“Yes, I played the T20 World Cup in South Africa and that experience would help me. Some of my colleaugues have also given me an update of the wickets in South Africa.”

Sharma believes Adam Gilchrist, who stepped into lead the side after local hero VVS Laxman was sidelined with an injury, did not get enough support.

The likes of Herschelle Gibbs, Scott Styris, Shahid Afridi were huge disappointments with the bat and the Deccan Chargers despite a star studded line up finishes bottom of the pile.

After the first edition of the IPL, Gilchrist was officially appointed the captain of the Deccan Chargers, replacing their icon player, V V S Laxman.

However, Sharma said the change in captaincy does not bother him at all.

“Gilly has done well for Australia and he has had a great record as player. The captaincy does not bother me at all. It is all about performing in the middle.”
Source – espnstar.com