Aniket Verma, the Madhya Pradesh batter, made a strong statement in the IPL 2026 opener, demonstrating the results of his intense off-season training regime.
Verma, who plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad, scored 236 runs from 12 innings at a strike rate of 166.19 in his maiden IPL season in 2025. Retained by the franchise, the 24-year-old was determined to improve further. He focused on becoming leaner and fitter with the support of the SRH staff during the off season, adhering to a strict diet and workout plan.
Verma’s Explosive Innings Despite Losing Cause
Verma’s hard work paid off when he faced Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He smashed 43 runs off just 18 balls, including four sixes and three fours. Verma’s contribution helped Sunrisers Hyderabad cross the 200-run mark, even though they ultimately lost the match.
Sunrisers were at 137/4 when Aniket Verma joined his captain Ishan Kishan. He soon lost Kishan as well but that could not deter him from playing big shots.
Aniket unleashed a range of shots in the penultimate over, bowled by a West Indian medium pacer. He began by hitting a slower offcutter over deep backward square leg for six, followed by a four around the deep backward point region. The next ball was deposited behind the sight screen.
Verma was eventually caught at long-off by Virat Kohli off the last ball of the over, after Kohli had dropped him earlier in the innings. Initially, it seemed Verma aimed to clear the boundary but lacked the necessary power. However, during the innings break, he clarified that he was simply trying to work the ball for a single, highlighting the power he is now generating due to his improved fitness.
Family Concerns Amidst Fitness Gains
While Aniket and his franchise are pleased with his fitness, his grandmother, Parvati Verma, is worried about his weight loss. According to Amit Verma, Aniket’s maternal uncle, Parvati Verma feels Aniket is not eating properly.
The uncle also noted that Aniket worked hard to achieve his current fitness level, maintaining constant contact with the SRH support staff and following a strict schedule. He added that Aniket focused on both his cricketing skills and his fitness, sticking to his diet chart. “Sometimes even I feel he is not eating properly but that’s what you do when you are a professional athlete,” added the uncle, who is deservingly credited for helping Aniket pursue his dream despite personal and financial crisis.
Professional Approach and Future Prospects
Aniket now has the resources to approach the game professionally. Last season, he shared the dressing room with international players like Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen. He understood the importance of fitness by observing them. In this age, cricket is not only about skills. You have to play throughout the year and that demands
- Aniket Verma scored 236 runs in 12 innings in IPL 2025.
- He hit 43 off 18 balls in the IPL 2026 opener.
- His grandmother is concerned about his strict diet.
With a strong start to the 2026 season, Aniket Verma will be looking to build on his improved fitness and make a lasting impact for Sunrisers Hyderabad.