Abhishek Sharma has carried his red-hot form from international cricket into IPL 2026, and his latest blistering century for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Delhi Capitals once again underlined why he is being tipped as one of India’s most exciting white-ball batters. After struggling for consistency during the 2026 T20 World Cup, the Punjab batter was backed strongly by the Gautam Gambhir-led India management, and that faith paid off when he produced a match-winning half-century in the final to help India win a third T20 World Cup title.
That confidence has only grown in the IPL. On Tuesday, April 21, Abhishek produced one of the most destructive knocks of the season, hammering an unbeaten 135 off 68 balls at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
His innings included 10 fours and 10 sixes, and he finished with a strike rate of 198.53 as SRH posted a towering 242/2 against Delhi Capitals.
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Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis was full of praise for Abhishek’s ability to dominate on flat pitches. “Unbelievable batsmanship. The power is back. Also, you look at the second over of off spin and I was like, ‘the pitch looked amazing’. It just skidded on, no swing, no grip. So, on a night like that is when you feel Abhishek Sharma is elite because there is nothing on offer.”
“He is just a bully if it’s a good pitch. And that’s what that opening pair has done over the last 2-3 seasons. On a flat track, he is almost like a Chris Gayle. He is that dangerous while batting,” he added.
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Former Australia skipper Aaron Finch also hailed the left-hander’s power and range. “His ability to slice the ball regardless of how you set the field on the off side is amazing. He’s got such beautiful hands and almost a lazy swing of the bat, which allows him to manipulate the ball wherever he needs. The power is ridiculous for a guy who is not a brute. He is not Chris Gayle built. Love watching him.”
Abhishek’s sensational innings helped SRH reach 242/2, and Delhi Capitals were eventually restricted to 195/9, with Eshan Malinga taking four wickets.
