Former South African skipper Faf du Plessis has showered praise on Abhishek Sharma after Sunrisers Hyderabad registered a 47-run win against Delhi Capitals at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad, on Tuesday.

Sharma scored a piece de resistance knock of 135 runs off just 68 balls with the help of 10 fours and as many sixes. Thus, he played an instrumental role in helping SRH post an above-par score of 242 runs on the board and was awarded Player of the Match.

Abhishek completed his second IPL century off just 47 balls as he batted at his absolute best.

Faf du Plessis said on ESPN Cricinfo, “Unbelievable batsmanship. The power is back. Also, you look at the second over of off spin and I was like, ‘the pitch looked amazing’. It just skidded on, no swing, no grip. So, on a night like that is when you feel Abhishek Sharma is elite because there is nothing on offer. He is just a bully if it’s a good pitch. And that’s what that opening pair has done over the last 2-3 seasons. On a flat track, he is almost like a Chris Gayle. He is that dangerous while batting.”

On the other hand, former Australian skipper Aaron Finch hailed Abhishek Sharma for his ability to slice the ball on the off side after advancing down the track against the pacers.

He said, “His ability to slice the ball regardless of how you set the field on the off side [is amazing]. He’s got such beautiful hands and almost laconic swing of the bat, which allows him to manipulate the ball wherever he needs. The power is ridiculous for a guy who is not a brute. He is not Chris Gayle build. Love watching him.”

Sunrisers Hyderabad will next take on Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium, Jaipur, on Saturday.