Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) opener Abhishek Sharma has been one of the most destructive batters of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, but his worrying knockout-stage numbers could become a major concern for SRH ahead of their Eliminator clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Wednesday, May 27.
The high-pressure encounter will decide which team remains alive in the race for the IPL 2026 title, with the winner advancing to Qualifier 2 against the Gujarat Titans (GT).
While Abhishek has completely dominated bowling attacks throughout the league stage, his performances in IPL playoffs and T20 knockout matches overall have been far from convincing.
Abhishek’s poor knockout numbers remain a concern for SRH
Despite his explosive batting throughout IPL 2026, Abhishek Sharma’s record in knockout matches continues to raise concerns for Sunrisers Hyderabad.
The left-handed opener struggled badly during SRH’s playoff campaign in IPL 2024, managing scores of just 3, 12 and 2 against Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals.
His overall T20 knockout numbers also paint an underwhelming picture. Across domestic cricket, IPL and international T20 knockout matches combined, Abhishek has scored just 248 runs in 15 innings at an average of 17.71 and a strike rate of 137.77.
Although he has registered three half-centuries in knockout matches, consistency has remained a major issue whenever the pressure has increased.
The SRH opener’s most recent knockout appearance came during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final against New Zealand national cricket team, where he silenced critics with a blistering 52 off just 21 deliveries.
However, SRH management would still be hoping that Abhishek finally overcomes his playoff struggles completely and delivers when it matters most in the IPL.
Abhishek Sharma has been one of IPL 2026’s best batters
Despite his poor knockout-stage numbers, Abhishek Sharma has enjoyed a sensational IPL 2026 campaign so far.
The aggressive opener has completely reinvented himself this season after enduring a difficult phase during the T20 World Cup and the early part of the IPL.
In 14 matches during the league stage, Abhishek has scored 563 runs at an average of 43.31 and a stunning strike rate of 206.23.
His remarkable season includes four half-centuries and one century, with a best score of 135*.
Abhishek currently stands among the leading run-scorers of the tournament and has consistently provided explosive starts for Sunrisers Hyderabad.
One major improvement in his batting this season has been his maturity and ability to bat deeper into the innings instead of relying only on aggressive starts.
SRH will now hope that Abhishek Sharma can finally translate his outstanding league-stage form into a defining playoff performance when they take on Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator.