Abhishek reveals mindset behind mayhem against DC

Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Abhishek Sharma credited careful planning, patience and smart shot selection for his explosive, unbeaten 135 against Delhi Capitals, explaining how his innings was built around reading conditions and targeting the right matchups.

The whirlwind knock from Abhishek, India’s No. 1 T20I batter, powered SRH to a massive 242/2, setting up a comprehensive performance that was backed up by a disciplined bowling effort. The win marked SRH’s third in a row and helped them climb to third place on the points table.

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Reflecting on his innings, Abhishek said the plan was clear from the start and had been worked on over time.

“We’ve been preparing for this for a long time. So, obviously, there was a little wicket today. I had to go to the last in one of the top three. So, that was the plan. And I think it was good. The total was good. I was talking to our batting coach, Frankie, for a long time. I talked to him. And I told him, Frankie, it’s been a while that I haven’t reached the second strategic timeout. So, I want to try that someday,” he said in a video shared by the IPL.

He also spoke about how discussions in training translated into execution during the match.

“We were talking about it in practice yesterday. So, then we had a plan that we’ll talk about the situation in the first strategic timeout. And when he came in, the plan was to keep playing as it was. And I personally felt that it was difficult to hit every ball here. So, you have to be waiting for your matchups. That’s what I was doing. And that’s what I was waiting for. And it actually went well. So, that was the plan,” he added.

Abhishek further explained how he approaches batting against spin, especially during the powerplay overs.

“If the spinners come, obviously, we’ve been practicing for so long. Even if the ball is stopping or moving, it’s a very obvious plan for me that I have to plan and play according to the feel. So, for spinners and powerplay, the way they are on the field, and I can dominate them, just to make them in some pressure. That’s the plan,” he said.

He also highlighted the importance of partnerships and maintaining pressure on the opposition. “And whoever is batting with me, especially Hadi or Ishaan, I know how they hit. So, it’s just a simple plan. Whoever is on strike, if there’s a boundary on the first two or three balls, then we try to make it a boundary. If it’s a long over in power play, then obviously, the ball comes under pressure,” he said.

Mental strength and a clear approach key to SRH’s success: Ishan

Elated after recording their third win in a row, skipper Kishan said mindset and clarity of thought have played a big role in his team’s strong run in IPL 2026.

“At this level, skill sets are quite similar. The real difference comes from mindset. For me, it was about improving how I reset between games, whether after a good performance or a bad one. Staying focused, hungry, and mentally present is key. You can’t carry the fear of failure, if that thought comes in, you have to overcome it and stay positive. Over time, that awareness grows, and you start understanding your game better. It’s about learning from your experiences but making sure you don’t repeat the same mistakes,” he told JioStar.

Kishan’s remarks came after a well-rounded performance from SRH, where their batters controlled the game from the start before the bowlers held their nerve, even as Delhi Capitals tried to fight back.

He also spoke about how he manages his bowlers, especially younger players, in a format like T20 cricket where things can quickly go wrong.

“My relationship with the bowlers is about keeping things simple and positive. With someone like Sakib Hussain, there’s a natural understanding, and I’ve told him to stay relaxed. This is T20 cricket, everyone gets hit. What matters is how you come back. Even if an over doesn’t go well, it’s important to reset, stay calm, and focus on the next opportunity. If you can pull things back later in the game,” he said.