NEW DELHI: Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Abhishek Sharma lit up the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Saturday with a blistering maiden IPL century, scoring 100 off just 40 balls against Punjab Kings in their Indian Premier League 2025 match.
The 24-year-old left-hander’s explosive knock is now the third-fastest century by an Indian in IPL history, behind only Yusuf Pathan (37 balls) and Priyansh Arya (39 balls). The overall record-holder is Chris Gayle (30 balls).
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What made Abhishek’s ton even more special was the way he celebrated it. After reaching the milestone, he pulled a folded note from his pocket that read, “This one is for Orange Army,” dedicating the landmark innings to the fans of Sunrisers Hyderabad. The gesture instantly went viral and drew loud cheers from the home crowd.
Fastest hundred in IPL (by balls faced)
30 – Chris Gayle (RCB) vs PWI, Bengaluru, 2013
37 – Yusuf Pathan (RR) vs MI, Mumbai BS, 2010
38 – David Miller (KXIP) vs RCB, Mohali, 2013
39 – Travis Head (SRH) vs RCB, Bengaluru, 2024
39 – Priyansh Arya (PBKS) vs CSK, Mullapur, 2025
40 – Abhishek Sharma (SRH) vs PBKS, Hyderabad, 2025*
Chasing a record 246 against Punjab Kings, Abhishek, who was retained for Rs 14 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, put on a spectacular 171-run opening partnership with Australian batter Travis Head (66), which is now the second-highest opening stand in SRH’s history.
His innings was packed with clean hitting, powerful strokes, and a sense of purpose as he led the charge for Hyderabad in a must-win clash. It was a statement knock, not just for the scoreboard — but also for the fans.
