Abhishek Sharma pays heavy price for on-field outburst, fined 25 per cent match fees after KKR vs SRH clash

Abhishek Sharma was fined 25 per cent of the match fees for his actions and also given one demerit point.

Updated on: Apr 3, 2026, 10:02:54 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Sunrisers Hyderabad vice-captain Abhishek Sharma landed in trouble following an on-field reaction during the IPL 2026 clash against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens. The left-hander showed visible dissent after being adjudged out, appearing unconvinced about the catch taken by Varun Chakravarthy. Despite the decision being upheld after a check, Abhishek lingered at the crease, gesturing in frustration before eventually making his way back to the pavilion. His reaction did not go unnoticed, drawing the attention of match officials and leading to consequences for breaching the code of conduct.

Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for 48 against KKR. (REUTERS)

Abhishek was fined 25 per cent of the match fees for his actions and also given one demerit point.

"Abhishek Sharma, All-rounder, Sunrisers Hyderabad has been fined 25 per cent of his match fees and has also accumulated one demerit point for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during his team’s match against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Thursday," the IPL released a statement.

"He admitted to the Level 1 offence under Article 2.3 and accepted the Match Referee’s sanction. For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee’s decision is final and binding," it added.

Abhishek looked in imperious touch at Eden Gardens but missed out on his half-century and was dismissed on 48 by Blessing Muzarabani, courtesy a diving catch by Varun, which was a close call taken from the umpire.

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SRH register their first win of season

Meanwhile, sent in to bat, Travis Head and Abhishek gave Sunrisers Hyderabad a flying start with an 82-run opening stand that came off just 34 balls, putting the bowlers under early pressure. Head made 46 while Abhishek chipped in with 48. The momentum was carried forward in the later stages by Heinrich Klaasen, who struck a brisk 52, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, who added 39, helping SRH pile up an imposing 226 for eight in their 20 overs.

Blessing Muzarabani led the effort with four wickets, while Vaibhav Arora picked up two. Kartik Tyagi and Anukul Roy chipped in with a wicket each.

In reply, KKR folded for 161 in 16 overs with Angkrish Raghuvanshi top-scoring with a 29-ball 52. For SRH, Jaydev Unadkat (3/21) snapped three wickets, while Nitish Kumar Reddy (2/17) and Eshan Malinga (2/14) picked two wickets each.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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