Abhishek Sharma equaled Virat Kohli’s T20 century record by scoring his ninth century in the format during Sunrisers Hyderabad’s IPL 2026 match against Delhi Capitals. This remarkable achievement showcased Sharma’s exceptional performance as he secured his second IPL hundred with consistency at the top of the order. Among Indian players, only Kohli and Sharma have achieved nine T20 hundreds, placing Sharma in an elite category alongside international players like Chris Gayle, Babar Azam, and David Warner.
Sharma’s innings not only marked a personal milestone but also a significant moment in his IPL career with Sunrisers Hyderabad. By surpassing the 2,000-run mark for the franchise, Sharma became the second Indian and fourth overall batter to achieve this feat, joining the ranks of Warner, Shikhar Dhawan, and Kane Williamson. Additionally, Sharma’s prowess as a powerful hitter was evident as he became one of only two players, alongside Warner, to hit over 100 sixes for Sunrisers Hyderabad, highlighting his role as a key T20 aggressor.
During the match, Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Ishan Kishan noted the difference in the pitch compared to previous games, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the conditions. Kishan highlighted the need for a wicket-taking option with spin due to the expected change in track conditions. Despite the challenges posed by the pitch, Sharma’s exceptional performance underscored his adaptability and skill in navigating the game effectively.
