Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) opener Abhishek Sharma found himself at the heart of a heated moment during IPL 2026 as his promising innings against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ended in dramatic fashion at Eden Gardens. Just when he looked set for a well-deserved half-century, a disputed catch brought his knock to a frustrating halt, leaving both the batter and fans stunned.
Abhishek Sharma’s controversial dismissal
The incident unfolded in the ninth over when Abhishek went for an aggressive pull shot off a slower delivery from Blessing Muzarabani. The ball seemed destined to race to the boundary, but Varun Chakravarthy sprinted in and attempted a low catch at deep square leg. What followed was immediate uncertainty.
While KKR players celebrated confidently, Abhishek remained rooted at the crease, clearly unconvinced that the catch had been taken cleanly. The hesitation from both sides reflected just how close the call was. With no clarity on the field, the umpires referred the decision upstairs, setting the stage for a tense review.
As replays were shown on the big screen, the debate only intensified. Different camera angles told different stories. Some visuals suggested that Chakravarthy had managed to get his fingers underneath the ball, indicating a fair catch. Others, however, hinted at the possibility of the ball brushing the turf before being secured.
One particular angle even showed a slight upward movement that raised suspicion, though such motion can sometimes occur even after a clean take due to hand movement. With no definitive evidence to overturn the original call, the third umpire was left with a difficult choice.
In the end, the decision stayed with the on-field call, and the screen confirmed it – ‘OUT’. It was one of those moments where technology could not provide a clear answer, leaving room for interpretation and debate among fans and experts.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐩, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇. 🤌
Varun Chakaravarthy pulls off an absolute blinder at deep square-leg to dismiss the dangerous Abhishek Sharma 🥵#TATAIPL 2026 | #KKRvSRH | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/ySCLEcJOUA pic.twitter.com/jXoaMbiOUy
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 2, 2026
Abhishek furious after being given out
The decision did not sit well with Abhishek. His reaction said it all – he lingered at the crease, visibly frustrated, before slowly making his way back. Even as he walked off, he was seen expressing his disappointment, engaging in a discussion with his batting partner Heinrich Klaasen.
Also WATCH: Sachin Tendulkar dons national colours again to celebrate 15th anniversary of India’s 2011 World Cup triumph
For a player who had looked in complete control, the dismissal felt particularly harsh. Abhishek had been in sublime touch, smashing 48 runs off just 21 balls. His innings included four boundaries and four towering sixes, played with remarkable confidence and timing.
🚨 ANOTHER SRH GAME ANOTHER CONTROVERSIAL CATCH OUT DECISION 🚨
Abhishek Sharma was given out for this catch by Varun Chakaravarthy
What do you guys say out or not out ?? pic.twitter.com/rgbBy8Flfu
— DB (@Brevisnation7) April 2, 2026
48 off 21 for Abhishek Sharma 🥶
Out or Not Out? 👀
Abhishek not happy with the decision! 😬#IPL2026 #KKRvsSRH pic.twitter.com/4MEAVyXcRj
— Khan (@ccricket713) April 2, 2026
Alongside Travis Head, who scored a quickfire 48, Abhishek had given SRH a flying start with an 82-run opening partnership. The duo had put KKR under pressure early on, making the controversial dismissal even more impactful in the context of the game.
There was also a personal milestone within reach. During his innings, Abhishek became only the second player after David Warner to cross 100 sixes for SRH eventually reaching 101 before his departure. It was a significant achievement, but one that was overshadowed by the manner in which his innings ended.
Interestingly, this wasn’t the first time SRH found themselves on the wrong side of a close call this season. In the previous match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Klaasen’s dismissal had also sparked controversy, raising questions about consistency in third-umpire decisions.
Also READ: Yuvraj Singh apologises to MS Dhoni and Kapil Dev after father Yograj Singh’s aggressive outbursts
