IPL 2026: Abhishek Sharma goes past Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Top SRH Milestone

Abhishek Sharma delivered a batting masterclass during Sunrisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) clash against Delhi Capitals (DC) in IPL 2026 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Tuesday (April 21).

The explosive opener remained unbeaten on 135 off just 68 balls, studded with 10 fours and 10 sixes, propelling SRH to a formidable total of 242/2. His 47-ball century, reached with back-to-back sixes, set the tone for a dominant batting display that powered SRH to a convincing victory.

Batting with remarkable composure on a placid track, Abhishek mixed elegant drives with brute power, punishing both pace and spin. He overcame an early reprieve and built partnerships effectively, first with Travis Head in a blazing powerplay and later with Heinrich Klaasen, who provided the finishing flourish. This was Abhishek’s ninth T20 hundred overall and his second in IPL, showcasing his evolution from a pure power-hitter to a complete top-order batter.

SRH vs DC IPL 2026: Abhishek Sharma Tops SRH List

The knock earned Abhishek the Player of the Match award - his seventh POTM for SRH in just 81 games. This milestone makes him the Indian player with the most such accolades for SRH, surpassing Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s six awards earned across 145 matches.

At just 25, Abhishek has redefined SRH’s aggressive philosophy. His ability to score quickly yet smartly has not only kept him atop the Orange Cap race but also cemented his place as a modern T20 great in the making. This performance against DC was yet another reminder of his match-winning prowess, blending flair with maturity.

The youngster now also sits at the summit of the Orange Cap list, with 323 runs to his name after seven matches. His teammate Heinrich Klaasen is placed 2nd in the list with 320 runs as the Orange Army have now won three matches in a row.