Abhishek Sharma Joins Elite Club with 40-Ball Hundred – Becomes Fastest Indian to Score IPL Century
Key Highlights:
Hyderabad, April 13 (IST): In what was a jaw-dropping display of aggressive yet composed batting, Abhishek Sharma carved his name into IPL folklore with a 100 off just 40 balls during Sunrisers Hyderabad’s epic chase of 246 against Punjab Kings. The left-handed opener became the sixth-fastest centurion in IPL history and the fastest Indian to ever score a century in the tournament.
His knock wasn’t just quick—it was historic, flamboyant, and filled with intent. In a high-octane contest at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Abhishek’s 141 off 55 balls powered SRH to the brink of a record run chase, marking his first IPL century in spectacular style.
The Knock: Controlled Carnage from the First Ball
Abhishek began the innings with four boundaries in his first five deliveries and never let the tempo drop. His fifty came in just 19 balls, and soon after, he reached his maiden IPL century with a calm flick into the leg side, celebrating with a subtle yet powerful message.
He pulled a white sheet from his pocket and raised it toward the dugout, later explaining, “This one is for the Orange Army.”
His final score of 141 included 14 fours and 10 sixes, striking at 256.36, making it the highest individual score by an Indian in IPL history.
Fastest Hundreds in IPL History – Abhishek Joins Elite Club
Here are the top six fastest centuries in IPL history, with Abhishek’s name now etched among T20 legends:
| Rank | Player | Balls | Score | Opponent | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Gayle (RCB) | 30 | 175* | Pune Warriors | Bengaluru | 2013 |
| 2 | Yusuf Pathan (RR) | 37 | 100 | MI | Brabourne | 2010 |
| 3 | David Miller (PBKS) | 38 | 101* | RCB | Mohali | 2013 |
| 4 | Travis Head (SRH) | 39 | 102 | RCB | Bengaluru | 2024 |
| 5 | Priyansh Arya (PBKS) | 39 | 103 | CSK | Mullanpur | 2025 |
| 6 | Abhishek Sharma (SRH) | 40 | 141 | PBKS | Hyderabad | 2025 |
This also marked back-to-back entries for SRH batters—with Travis Head’s 39-ball hundred coming just last season.
A Lucky Break, Then Relentless Power
At 32, Abhishek was caught at deep point off Yash Thakur, but fortune favored him as the bowler had overstepped. He made the most of the free hit, launching the next delivery into the crowd. That moment flipped the switch, as he went on to score 69 runs in his next 23 deliveries.
He also outscored his opening partner Travis Head in their 171-run opening stand, with Head scoring a quickfire 66.
Orange Army Roars Back to Life
Abhishek’s innings not only revived his personal form but breathed new life into SRH’s campaign, which had been marred by inconsistent top-order performances. After four consecutive defeats, this was the turnaround moment fans had been waiting for.
The stadium erupted when he walked back after falling in the 17th over, raising his bat to acknowledge the standing ovation.
In a tournament famed for big-hitting brilliance, Abhishek Sharma has officially arrived as a marquee IPL batter. His century wasn’t just fast—it was fearless, timely, and emotionally resonant. If SRH builds momentum from here, this knock will be seen as the catalyst.
Abhishek’s 40-ball hundred has now become part of IPL’s storied history. The league may have witnessed faster centuries, but few have been as impactful, poetic, and patriotically Orange as this.
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