'I haven’t played with a better spin-hitting batter ever': Travis Head's big words for SRH teammate Abhishek Sharma IPL 2026

Following Sunrisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) historic chase over Mumbai Indians (MI) in a high-scoring thriller on April 29, Travis Head was full of praise for his opening partner Abhishek Sharma. The explosive pair has rapidly ascended to become one of the most formidable and entertaining opening duos in the history of the modern IPL.

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I know that if spin comes on, I just give Abhishek Sharma the strike: Travis Head

Reflecting on their partnership during a post-match interview, Head offered insights into their seamless working relationship and the unique chemistry that allows them to thrive at the top of the order. His comments came on the back of a vintage performance where he anchored the innings with a brilliant 76, a knock that proved instrumental as SRH successfully pulled off the fourth-highest run chase ever recorded in the tournament.

"I know that if spin comes on, I just give him the strike. I probably haven’t played with a better spin-hitting batter ever. I think he’s one of the best I’ve ever seen in terms of ball-striking against spin. I know in the Powerplay, we saw again in this game that teams have started to go off pace against us. So, it’s about getting him on strike and watching him go about his work. He puts teams under immense pressure. It’s a great partnership, we don’t have to talk too much," Head told Star Sports after the match

Abhishek Sharma's dominance in IPL 2026

Abhishek has established himself as the premier destroyer of spin in IPL 2026, leading the league in runs, sixes, and fours against slow bowlers. His dominance is reflected in a staggering strike rate against spin, which ranks as the second-highest among all players who have faced at least 25 balls of the type this season. This clinical approach has made him nearly impossible for captains to contain during the middle overs.

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The young opener’s overall numbers are nothing short of historic. Currently holding the Orange Cap, Abhishek has amassed 425 runs across nine matches at an elite average of 53 and a breathtaking strike rate of 209.35. His campaign is highlighted by three half-centuries and a brilliant hundred, cementing his status as the most impactful batter of the tournament so far. His ability to clear the ropes has been a defining feature of his season, with 31 sixes placing him second on the overall list. During a monumental unbeaten 135 against Delhi Capitals, Abhishek became the first Indian batter to hit 10 or more sixes in an IPL innings on multiple occasions. Additionally, he stands alone in IPL history as the only player to record multiple scores of 130 or more, while also leading the 2026 charts for total boundaries with 40 fours.