Abhishek Sharma has become one of the most exciting Indian batters in the Indian Premier League. Ahead of IPL 2026, he continues his journey with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) after being retained for ₹14.00 crore. Known for fearless strokeplay, quick starts at the top, and useful left-arm spin, Abhishek is now a core player in SRH’s long-term plans. He started the new season in SRH colours in the opening match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.
Player Overview – Abhishek Sharma
- Full Name: Abhishek Sharma
- Date of Birth: 04 September 2000
- Age (2026): 25 years
- Nationality: India
- Role: All-Rounder
- Batting Style: Left-handed
- Bowling Style: Left-arm orthodox
- IPL Debut: 2018
Abhishek first came into the spotlight as a teenager and has steadily grown into a destructive opener in T20 cricket.
Abhishek Sharma IPL 2026 Team & Price
- IPL 2026 Team: Sunrisers Hyderabad
- IPL 2026 Price: ₹14.00 Crore
- Status: Retained Player
SRH retained Abhishek due to his explosive batting at the top and his ability to win matches with fast starts.
IPL Auction Price History
| Year | Price | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | ₹55 Lakh | Delhi Capitals |
| 2019 | ₹55 Lakh | SRH |
| 2020 | ₹55 Lakh | SRH |
| 2021 | ₹55 Lakh | SRH |
| 2022 | ₹6.50 Cr | SRH |
| 2023 | ₹6.50 Cr | SRH |
| 2024 | ₹6.50 Cr | SRH |
| 2025 | ₹14.00 Cr | SRH |
| 2026 | ₹14.00 Cr | SRH |
His rise from a low-cost buy to a high-value retention clearly shows his growth and importance in the SRH setup.
IPL Career Overview (Till IPL 2026)
| Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 84 | 2,139 | 141 | 29.30 | 169.22 | 2 | 11 |
Abhishek has now crossed 2,139 IPL runs with an attacking strike rate, making him one of the most dangerous Indian openers in the league.
Read Also:- Top 10 Best All-Rounders in IPL History 2008–2025
Batting Performance – Season-wise
| Season | Matches | Runs | Highest | Avg | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 323 | 135* | 53.83 | 215.33 |
| 2025 | 14 | 439 | 141 | 33.77 | 193.39 |
| 2024 | 16 | 484 | 75* | 32.27 | 204.22 |
| 2023 | 11 | 226 | 67 | 20.55 | 143.95 |
| 2022 | 14 | 426 | 75 | 30.43 | 133.13 |
| 2021 | 8 | 98 | 33 | 16.33 | 130.66 |
| 2020 | 8 | 71 | 31 | 14.20 | 126.78 |
| 2019 | 3 | 9 | 5* | 4.50 | 100.00 |
| 2018 | 3 | 63 | 46* | 63.00 | 190.90 |
Abhishek began his IPL 2026 season with 7 runs off 8 balls against RCB in Bengaluru. It was a short innings, but he still showed attacking intent early in the powerplay.
Batting Highlights
- Highest IPL Score: 141
- Total Sixes: 128
- Total Fours: 199
- Fastest SRH Fifty: 16 balls
- Best Strike Rate Season: 2024 (204.22)
Bowling Performance in IPL
Although mainly known for batting, Abhishek also contributes with left-arm spin when required.
| Season | Matches | Wickets | Best | Avg | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 14 | 0 | 0/5 | – | 10.18 |
| 2024 | 16 | 2 | 2/24 | 25.50 | 7.29 |
| 2023 | 11 | 2 | 1/26 | 62.00 | 10.33 |
| 2022 | 14 | 0 | 0/10 | – | 9.50 |
| 2021 | 8 | 4 | 2/4 | 16.00 | 6.40 |
| 2020 | 8 | 2 | 1/15 | 45.50 | 9.10 |
| 2019 | 3 | 1 | 1/10 | 21.00 | 10.50 |
Total IPL Wickets: 11
Best Bowling: 2/24
Fielding Record
| Matches | Catches |
|---|---|
| 84 | 28 |
Abhishek is a safe fielder and adds value both in the inner circle and in the deep.
Playing Style & Strengths
Batting
- Explosive opener with fearless intent
- Strong against both pace and spin
- Ideal powerplay batter
Bowling
- Useful left-arm spin option
- Can break partnerships in middle overs
Overall Impact
- Provides balance as a batting all-rounder
- Match-winner on his day
Key Records & Achievements
- Joint-fastest fifty for SRH (16 balls)
- One of the highest strike rates among Indian batters in recent IPL seasons
- Scored a massive 141 in IPL 2025, his best IPL innings
Role in SRH for IPL 2026
For IPL 2026, Abhishek Sharma is expected to open the innings and set the tone early. SRH see him as a long-term match-winner who can dominate bowling attacks and provide quick starts consistently.
He did not get a big score in SRH’s first match of the season against RCB, but his role remains very important because he can change the direction of a game in the powerplay itself.
Abhishek Sharma’s IPL journey shows clear growth — from a teenage prospect to a ₹14 crore retained star. With confidence, power, and experience on his side, IPL 2026 could still turn into another big season for him with Sunrisers Hyderabad.
