Abhishek among IPL elite

Abhishek Sharma

India opener Abhishek Sharma hit the fifth-highest score in Indian Premier League history in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s 47-run win against Delhi Capitals.

The 25-year-old left-hander, who is number one in the men’s T20 batting rankings, batted throughout the innings for 135 not out from 68 balls in the hosts’ 242-2.

He peppered the straight boundaries with powerful drives, hitting 10 sixes and 10 fours, and reached three figures in 47 deliveries.

His score has only been bettered in the IPL by West Indies great Chris Gayle (175 not out), Brendon McCullum (158 not out), Abhishek’s 141 on the same ground last year and Quinton de Kock’s 140 against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2022.

It was also Abhishek’s ninth T20 century, taking him joint fourth on the all-time list.

Delhi made 195-9 in reply with seamer Eshan Malinga taking 4-32.

Abhishek has been a dominant force in T20s in recent years, with two T20 international centuries to go with his two in the IPL.

He began the recent T20 World Cup with three consecutive ducks but hit 52 as India beat New Zealand in the final.

He has built a fearsome partnership with Australian Travis Head at Sunrisers, particularly since 2024 when New Zealander Daniel Vettori and Australian Pat Cummins, who is currently injured, took over as coach and captain.

“I always wanted to show my talent in the powerplay but you have to have the backing from the captain and the coach,” Abhishek said.

“The environment we had in ‘24 was the game-changer for us. I always wanted to play like this, in my Punjab team as well.” 

(BBC sport)