India, April 22 -- Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Abhishek Sharma said a clear message from assistant coach James Franklin shaped his unbeaten 135 against Delhi Capitals, an innings that powered SRH to a 47-run win and gave the home crowd one of the standout batting performances of IPL 2026.

Abhishek's knock was not just about the final number. It was about how he got there. Known largely for tearing into attacks early, he stayed through the full innings this time and changed the rhythm of the game as it went on. That was not accidental.

"It's just I had a plan with Franky, and he just wanted me to bat till the 20 overs. I think this is the first time that I have batted for 20 overs. The wicket wasn't too easy," Abhishek said at the post-ma...