SRH star Abhishek Sharma loses 25% match fee for on-field dissent

Sunrisers Hyderabad vice-captain Abhishek Sharma has been fined 25 percent of his match fee and given a demerit point for showing dissent during his team’s emphatic IPL 2026 win over Kolkata Knight Riders.

Sharma admitted to the Level 1 offence under Article 2.3 of the IPL Code of Conduct and accepted the match referee’s sanction, which is final and binding for breaches of this level.

Despite the disciplinary action, Sharma played a stellar innings, scoring 48 runs off just 21 deliveries , helping SRH post a blistering start in the powerplay. His knock included four fours and as many sixes , laying the foundation for SRH’s first win of the season, a convincing 65-run triumph over KKR.

The sanction came after Sharma showed visible frustration following a TV umpire Nitin Menon’s decision during the ninth over. KKR’s Varun Chakaravarthy took a diving catch off Blessing Muzarabani, but there was ambiguity over whether the catch was clean. Menon deemed it legal, but Sharma expressed his displeasure as he walked off, prompting the fine.

While the incident drew attention, it did not overshadow Sharma’s significant contribution with the bat, underlining his role as a key player for SRH in IPL 2026.