Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) endured a massive loss by 82 runs in their game against Gujarat Titans (GT) on Tuesday, May 12 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The strong SRH batting lineup failed to perform as per the expectation while chasing modest 169 runs. Amid a tough loss, former South Africa captain Graeme Smith has backed SRH opener Abhishek Sharma to win the Orange Cap in the ongoing IPL 2026 season.
Graeme Smith backs Abhishek Sharma
Former South Africa batter, Graeme Smith has backed Abhishek Sharma to win the Orange Cap in the ongoing IPL 2026 season despite his struggles at the T20 World Cup and Vaibhav Sooryavansh's emergence. However, the star India opener is having a wonderful campaign for the Sunrisers Hyderabad.
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"We're seeing a great race for the Orange Cap this season, and despite his struggles in the World Cup and the impressive (Vaibhav) Sooryavanshi, I think Abhishek Sharma will have the best chance," wrote Smith in a SA20 column.
While talking further, Smith noted that the top-order batters always have the edge to score massive runs as they have a longer time to bat. Opening up on the potential dip in form, Smith noted that the flat surfaces always favor them to get back in form.
"Those at the top of the order always have a longer time to bat, so any dip in form means you could have a chance to get it back quickly. I certainly think that's the case on these flat pitches where there's not a lot in the surface," Smith concluded.
Abhishek Sharma's strong campaign in IPL 2026
The star India opener Abhishek Sharma has been top performer for the Hyderabad-based franchise, amassing 481 runs in 12 innings at an average of 43.73 with a great strike rate of 209.13, with the help of one century and three half-centuries.
Currently, the left-handed opener is standing at the third place in the list of Orange Cap, where his teammate Heinrich Klaasen is standing at top with 508 runs.