Abhishek Sharma’s Unbeaten 135 Powers Sunrisers Hyderabad Past Delhi Capitals
NEW DELHI – Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Abhishek Sharma delivered a career-defining performance, scoring an unbeaten 135 to secure a 47-run victory over the Delhi Capitals. The offensive output propelled Sunrisers Hyderabad to a commanding total of 242/2. While the aggressive strokeplay dominated the pitch, Sharma’s post-match comments highlighted an enduring bond with his father that anchors his cricket career.
Match Summary
| Team | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | 242/2 | Won by 47 runs |
| Delhi Capitals | 195 | Lost by 47 runs |
A Sightscreen Mentor: The Father-Son Connection
Following his century, Sharma directed the attention of the broadcast cameras to his father, who was seated near the sightscreen. The official IPL broadcaster captured the tribute during the post-match presentation.
“I just want one of the cameras to go to him and see his reactions,” Sharma said. “It is incredible how I always look at him, and he is always looking at me and giving me instructions. It helps me a bit. It is always special to perform in front of parents and friends.”
Sharma noted that this dynamic has remained consistent since his Under-12 cricket days. His father positions himself near the sightscreen to offer real-time advice when his son is at the non-striker’s end, a grassroots practice recognized by BCCI developmental programs as a common family dynamic in Indian sports.
Strategic Freedom and the ‘L’ Celebration
The aggressive opening strategy resulted from structured planning. Sharma attributed his current form to the supportive environment cultivated within the Sunrisers Hyderabad camp since 2024. This backing from the captain and coaching staff gave him the freedom to adapt his plans when the pitch initially played slow.
- The ‘L’ Celebration: Sharma forms an ‘L’ with his fingers to show love for the stadium attendees and fans who support the team at the venue and the team hotel.
- 20th Over Milestone: He introduced an additional celebration to mark his rare achievement of batting through the entire 20-over innings.
- Orange Cap Race: The 135-run knock moves Sharma ahead of teammate Heinrich Klaasen in the race for the tournament’s top run-scorer. For complete player rankings, consult ESPN Cricinfo.
Dedication to Family
Sharma concluded his media availability by dedicating the match-winning performance to his family, specifically mentioning his sister, who was unable to attend the match due to illness. The 47-run victory solidifies Sunrisers Hyderabad’s position in the tournament standings, driven by Sharma’s historic century and reliable contributions from his teammates.