Abhishek Sharma is a flat-track bully like Chris Gayle: Faf du Plessis makes stunning claim

Former South African captain Faf du Plessis made a massive statement about Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) opener Abhishek Sharma during IPL 2026. After his impressive performance against Delhi Capitals (DC), du Plessis compared the aggressive left-handed batter to West Indies legend Chris Gayle, especially on flat pitches.

Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Delhi Capitals by 47 runs in Match 31 of IPL 2026 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Tuesday, April 21. After losing the toss, the Ishan Kishan-led team posted a total of 242 runs in 20 overs. They then restricted Delhi Capitals to 195 runs, securing their fourth victory.

Faf du Plessis Compares Abhishek Sharma To Chris Gayle

During a recent ESPNcricinfo Timeout discussion, Faf du Plessis stated that Abhishek Sharma dominates opposition bowlers and becomes extremely dangerous when pitches offer no help to bowlers.

"Unbelievable batsmanship. The power is back. Also, you look at the second over of off spin and I was like, 'the pitch looked amazing'. It just skidded on, no swing, no grip."

"So, on a night like that is when you feel Abhishek Sharma is elite because there is nothing on offer. He is just a bully if it's a good pitch. And that's what that opening pair has done over the last 2-3 seasons. On a flat track, he is almost like a Chris Gayle. He is that dangerous while batting."

Abhishek dominated the Delhi Capitals bowling attack, remaining unbeaten on 135 runs from 68 deliveries. The explosive Sunrisers Hyderabad opener smashed 10 boundaries and 10 sixes. He also shared a crucial 97-run opening partnership with Travis Head, which came off just 53 deliveries.

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Abhishek Sharma Is Not Chris Gayle Build - Aaron Finch

Former Australian captain Aaron Finch also praised Abhishek Sharma for his brilliant century. Finch stated that Sharma has the ability to manipulate field placements and generate immense power in his shots, unlike traditional power hitters.

"His ability to slice the ball regardless of how you set the field on the off side [is amazing]. He's got such beautiful hands and almost laconic swing of the bat, which allows him to manipulate the ball wherever he needs. The power is ridiculous for a guy who is not a brute. He is not Chris Gayle build. Love watching him."

Abhishek has shown excellent consistency for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026. He has scored 323 runs in seven innings at an average of 53.83 and a strike rate of 215.33, including two half-centuries and a century.

Sunrisers Hyderabad Secure Third Consecutive Victory

Abhishek Sharma’s blazing century put Sunrisers Hyderabad in a strong position. The home team still posted a massive total of 242 against Delhi Capitals. Axar Patel picked up one wicket for 23 runs.

Delhi Capitals made a strong effort in the chase. Nitish Rana scored 57 runs off 30 balls, while Sameer Rizvi added 41 from 28 deliveries. However, Sunrisers Hyderabad pacer Eshan Malinga turned the game with an impressive four-wicket haul.

After a 47-run win, Sunrisers Hyderabad jumped to third place on the IPL points table, with four wins in seven matches. Delhi Capitals are in fifth position, having won three of their six games so far.

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