IPL 2026: Abhishek Sharma Gets Emotional After 135* Knock Against Delhi Capitals, Says “This One is for My Sister”

Sunrisers Hyderabad explosive opener Abhishek Sharma lit up IPL 2026 with a breathtaking unbeaten 135 off 68 balls, but beyond the sixes and boundaries, it was an innings driven by emotion as he dedicated the knock to his family, especially his sister, during SRH's commanding 47-run win over Delhi Capitals at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Tuesday (April 21).

On a high-scoring Uppal surface, Abhishek produced a knock of authority, smashing 10 sixes and 10 fours to propel SRH to a daunting 242/2 in 20 overs. But for the young opener, the moment was deeply personal.

"My parents are here... it's a very special moment. My sister is missing today because she had some infection. So this is for you as well," the 26-year-old Punjab batter said after the match, dedicating his innings to his family watching from the stands and afar.

Abhishek Sharma: A Knock Fueled by Family Support

Abhishek's innings was a perfect blend of aggression and composure as he took charge early in the powerplay and then accelerated through the middle overs. He added 97 runs with Travis Head for the opening wicket before building another crucial partnership with Ishan Kishan, who chipped in with a quick 25. Heinrich Klaasen's late flourish ensured SRH crossed the 240-mark, but the foundation had already been laid by Abhishek's brilliance.

Even as he dominated the opposition attack, Abhishek revealed how his father continues to play a role in shaping his game. "Since U12 days, my dad has been sitting next to the screen... even when I am at the non-striker's end, he keeps giving me instructions. It actually helps me," he said with a smile, underlining the constant guidance that has been part of his cricketing journey.

Freedom to Express, Confidence to Deliver

The left-hander also credited the environment within the Sunrisers Hyderabad setup for allowing him to play with freedom and confidence. "You have to have the backing from the captain and coach... that is very important. The environment in Sunrisers in 2024 was a game-changer. It felt like they wanted to grow the youngsters," Abhishek explained, highlighting how that support has helped him evolve into a match-winner.

He also spoke about adapting to conditions during his innings. "The way we started, I felt we had a plan... but the wicket was a bit slow, so we had to re-plan it again. I just wanted to utilise the powerplay and entertain the crowd," he added, reflecting on how he adjusted his approach as the innings progressed.

DC Collapse After Bright Start

In reply, Delhi Capitals looked well on course at 107/1, but the chase unravelled dramatically as SRH's bowlers struck back in the middle overs. Eshan Malinga led the charge with 4/32, while Sakib Hussain provided crucial support as DC slipped to 107/4 and never recovered, eventually finishing on 195/9.

Earlier, Delhi's bowling strategy had also come under scrutiny, particularly the decision to persist with part-time options while frontline spinners remained underutilised, allowing SRH to dominate the middle phase of the innings.

A Statement Innings

As Sunrisers Hyderabad climbed to third on the points table, Abhishek Sharma's knock stood out not just for its sheer dominance but for the emotion behind it. It was an innings that combined power, maturity, and personal motivation - a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable performances are driven by moments beyond the boundary.