A high-stakes encounter in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 turned into a one-man spectacle as Sunrisers Hyderabad’s explosive opener Abhishek Sharma delivered a breathtaking century against Delhi Capitals. With both teams fighting for crucial playoff positioning—SRH placed fourth and DC close behind in fifth—the clash at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium carried immense importance. However, it was Abhishek’s brilliance that stole the spotlight and left fans in absolute awe.
Abhishek Sharma’s blazing knock sets the tone
After Delhi Capitals won the toss and opted to field, the decision quickly backfired as Abhishek unleashed a batting masterclass. From the outset, the left-hander looked in sublime touch, taking on the bowlers with fearless intent and remarkable control.
Using his trademark high backlift and lightning-quick reflexes, Abhishek pierced gaps with ease while also clearing the ropes at will. His dominance during the Powerplay was particularly striking, as Sunrisers Hyderabad raced past 80 runs within the first six overs—an early indication of the carnage to follow.
The Delhi bowlers tried multiple plans, including pace variations and field changes, but nothing seemed to work. Abhishek’s ability to adapt on the fly and maintain an aggressive approach left the opposition searching for answers throughout his innings.
Century in style: A moment to remember
The defining moment of the innings came in the 15th over. With the crowd on its feet, Abhishek launched a towering six over long-on to bring up his century in just 47 deliveries. The celebration that followed reflected both relief and dominance, as the young opener soaked in the applause from a roaring Hyderabad crowd.
What made the knock even more special was his approach in the nervous nineties. Unlike many batters who slow down near milestones, Abhishek continued to attack, embodying the fearless “SRH brand of cricket.” Reaching the three-figure mark with a six perfectly summed up his intent and confidence.
This was his second IPL century and his first of the 2026 season, further cementing his reputation as one of the most destructive T20 batters in the league.
Matching a giant: Virat Kohli’s elite record
Beyond the match impact, Abhishek’s innings carried historical significance. With this century, he brought his tally to nine T20 hundreds, equalling the record held by Virat Kohli for the most centuries by an Indian in men’s T20 cricket.
While Kohli’s centuries are often defined by composure and calculated acceleration, Abhishek’s approach reflects the modern T20 evolution—fearless, aggressive, and power-driven. Matching a legend like Kohli at this stage of his career highlights Abhishek’s growing stature in the game.
Here’s how fans reacted
HUNDRED BY ABHISHEK SHARMA. 😍🔥
– What a knock by Abhi, he’s back well and truly. An absolute gun player, in front of his parents he’s delivered. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/h4aqOOPCtq
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 21, 2026
Abhishek Sharma just smashed 135 (68). SRH got 242 for 2. And Abhishek said it wasn’t that easy a pitch to score on😅😅🫣
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) April 21, 2026
Abhishek Sharma brings up a tremendous century 🙌💪#AbhishekSharma #SRHvsDC #IPL2026 #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/uPtDfNxZW0
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) April 21, 2026
What a brilliant knock by Abhishek Sharma – a bit ‘slow’ by his standards but with almost 6 overs to go Sunrisers Hyderabad should target 260 and shut the doors on Delhi#SRHvsDC
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) April 21, 2026
🚨 HIGHEST INDIVIDUAL SCORE BY INDIAN BATTERS IN IPL 🚨
Abhishek Sharma – 141(55) vs PBKS
Abhishek Sharma – 135*(68) vs DC pic.twitter.com/UKxFr8fjy9
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 21, 2026
Powerplay Carnage
Abhishek Sharma went berserk in the fifth over.
Against Matt Short: 4, 4, 4, 6, 6
Against Nitish Rana: 6, 6, 1Teams keep falling into the same trap. IPL surfaces suit his fearless style, and once he gets going, there is hardly any stopping him.#SRHvsDC pic.twitter.com/VRyBmx5yfZ
— MK Sharma ✍️ (@EmediaManoj) April 21, 2026
Abhishek Sharma
Only player to hit two 130+ scores in IPL history
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) April 21, 2026
SRH POSTED 242/2 AGAINST DC 🥶
135(68) – Abhishek Sharma
37(26) – Travis Head
25(13) – Ishan Kishan
37(13) – Heinrich Klaasen– What a Innings from Abhishek Sharma 🫡pic.twitter.com/Y6wDZPeeTi
— Cricket Central (@CricketCentrl) April 21, 2026
Harsha Bhogle on live TV🎙;
This is the kind of form we want to see from ‘Abhishek Sharma’. It feels like we have found another young Rohit Sharma in him🙌🔥
— Gillfied⁷ (@Gill_Iss) April 21, 2026
– 48(21) Vs KKR.
– 74(28) Vs PBKS.
– 59(22) Vs CSK.
– 135*(68) Vs DC.ABHISHEK SHARMA HAS BEEN PHENOMENAL FOR SRH – HE’S THE ORANGE CAP HOLDER. 👏🌟 pic.twitter.com/klhDd6NdNU
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) April 21, 2026
Also READ: IPL 2026: Irfan Pathan reveals tactics to neutralize Delhi Capitals’ opener before SRH encounter
