Abhishek Sharma Shatters IPL Records with Second Century, Equals Virat Kohli’s T20 Milestone

POLICY WIRE — Hyderabad, India — Abhishek Sharma delivered a phenomenal batting exhibition, securing his second Indian Premier League (IPL) century during Sunrisers Hyderabad’s dominant performance against Delhi Capitals.

In a breathtaking display of power-hitting, Sharma blazed to a remarkable hundred in only 47 balls after DC opted to field first, a decision that quickly backfired. He remained unbeaten with an incredible 135 runs off just 68 deliveries, an innings punctuated by 10 towering sixes, propelling SRH to a formidable total of 242 for 2 in their allotted 20 overs.

Sharma’s Record-Equalling T20 Feat

This stellar knock not only marked Abhishek Sharma’s second IPL hundred but also highlighted his rapidly growing prominence in T20 cricket. Furthermore, it was the second occasion he has struck ten sixes within a single IPL innings, a rare achievement shared only with the legendary Chris Gayle.

With this impressive performance, Abhishek Sharma reached a total of nine T20 centuries in his career, drawing level with Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli among domestic players. On the all-time global list, Chris Gayle leads with an astonishing 22 hundreds, followed by Babar Azam (12) and David Warner (10). Sharma now shares the subsequent position with other explosive batters such as Quinton de Kock, Rilee Rossouw, and Sahibzada Farhan.

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Key Milestones and Dominance

The innings also saw Abhishek achieve another significant career milestone, surpassing 350 sixes in T20 cricket, solidifying his reputation as one of the format’s most destructive hitters. While players like Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, and Heinrich Klaasen provided strong support, ensuring a robust team effort at the top, it was unequivocally Abhishek Sharma who stole the spotlight.

He expertly carried his bat through the entire innings, accelerating precisely when required to dismantle the opposition’s bowling attack. A moment of fortune also played its part; on 49 runs, Abhishek narrowly survived a straightforward run-out opportunity when KL Rahul failed to complete the dismissal, a costly error that allowed the left-hander to unleash one of the season’s most powerful knocks.

Highest Individual Scores in IPL History:

• 175* C Gayle (RCB vs PWI) Bengaluru 2013
• 158* B McCullum (KKR vs RCB) Bengaluru 2008
• 141 Abhishek Sharma (SRH vs PK) Hyderabad 2025
• 140* Q de Kock (LSG vs KKR) Navi Mumbai 2022
• 135* Abhishek Sharma (SRH vs DC) Hyderabad 2026

His unbeaten 135 now stands among the highest individual scores recorded in IPL history, positioned just behind legendary performances like Gayle’s unconquered 175 and Brendon McCullum’s 158. Notably, Abhishek himself featured on this elite list last season with a 141-run innings, demonstrating his consistent ability to deliver monumental scores.

On an evening where every element seemed to align perfectly for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Abhishek Sharma’s innings was a masterclass in sheer dominance — a perfect blend of impeccable timing, raw power, and an unyielding, fearless intent that left the Delhi Capitals facing a colossal chase.

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