Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) opener Abhishek Sharma’s night at Eden Gardens had everything. A blazing start, a controversial dismissal, and now, a sanction from the IPL. The left-hander has been fined 25 percent of his match fee and handed a demerit point for breaching the code of conduct following his reaction to the decision against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
The incident came after a catch by Varun Chakravarthy in the deep ended Abhishek’s innings. While the play moved forward with the umpires deeming Abhishek out, it was a controversial decision nonetheless.
Controversial call triggers reaction; Abhishek Sharma penalised
The moment unfolded in the ninth over. Abhishek went for a pull, the ball went high towards the boundary, and Chakravarthy completed a low catch. The on-field decision went upstairs.
The side-on angle looked inconclusive due to grainy footage. The front-on replay suggested the ball might have brushed the turf before settling into the fielder’s hands. Despite that, third umpire Nitin Menon ruled it out, giving the benefit of doubt to the fielding side.
Abhishek did not hide his frustration. That reaction has now cost him.
He has been charged under Article 2.3 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which deals with the use of offensive or obscene language audible on the field. The regulation specifically covers instances where such language can be picked up on the stump mic or broadcast feed.
The IPL confirmed that Abhishek admitted to the Level 1 offence. As per protocol, that meant no formal hearing was required, and the match referee’s decision became final. This is not the first time he has been pulled up. In IPL 2025, he was fined under a different clause after an on-field exchange with Digvesh Rathi.
Blazing knock overshadowed as SRH dominate KKR
What makes the episode more striking is how well Abhishek was batting before the dismissal.
He scored 48 off just 21 balls, striking at over 228, and set the tone for SRH alongside Travis Head. The pair added 82 runs in just 34 deliveries, effectively taking the game away from KKR inside the powerplay.
SRH went on to post 226/8, a total that proved far beyond reach. KKR were eventually bowled out for 161, handing Hyderabad a comfortable win. Yet, the talking point remains the decision and its aftermath. This is the second instance this season where an SRH batter has been at the centre of a contentious third-umpire call. Earlier, Heinrich Klaasen was involved in a boundary catch controversy by Phil Salt against RCB. For all the technology in place, these moments continue to raise questions. Different angles, different interpretations, and often, decisions that leave one side unconvinced.
Cricket
Abhishek Sharma fined over offensive language after controversial catch in KKR vs SRH match
