Abhishek Sharma’s dismissal during the KKR vs SRH match at Eden Gardens on April 2 has become IPL 2026’s second major umpiring controversy in just six matches. The SRH opener was given out caught after Varun Chakravarthy claimed a low diving catch at deep square leg.
Replays weren’t conclusive, yet the third umpire ruled in KKR’s favour. To make things worse, the BCCI later fined Abhishek 25% of his match fee and handed him a demerit point for his angry reaction on the field.
How Did the Controversial Dismissal Unfold?
Abhishek was in devastating form, smashing 48 off just 21 balls with four fours and four sixes. He and Travis Head (46 off 21) had already put on an 82-run opening stand in just 34 balls, giving SRH the highest powerplay score of IPL 2026.
Then came the ninth over. Blessing Muzarabani had just dismissed captain Ishan Kishan for 14. On the very next delivery, he bowled a slower ball to Abhishek. The left-hander went for the pull but didn’t get enough height or distance.
Varun Chakravarthy, stationed at deep square leg, sprinted forward and dived low to claim the catch. The ball appeared dangerously close to the ground. On-field umpires immediately sent it upstairs.
What Did the Third Umpire Decide?
TV umpire Nitin Menon reviewed multiple replays from different angles. After several looks, he upheld the catch and gave Abhishek out.
However, many observers felt the replays suggested the ball had bounced before Chakravarthy completed the catch. Fans and experts alike argued that in such 50-50 situations, the benefit of the doubt traditionally goes to the batter. On this occasion, it went to the fielder.
This is the second time in IPL 2026 that SRH have been on the wrong end of a controversial catch decision. In the opening match, Phil Salt’s boundary catch to dismiss Heinrich Klaasen raised similar questions.
Abhishek’s Reaction to this Incident
Not well. He stayed rooted at the crease, clearly unconvinced. He then had an animated discussion with batting partner Klaasen before reluctantly walking off. His frustration continued as he left the field, and his body language made his displeasure obvious.
That reaction cost him. The BCCI charged Abhishek with a Level 1 offence under Article 2.3 for using audible obscenities during the match. He admitted to the breach, received the fine, and accumulated one demerit point on his record.
Did SRH Still Win Despite the Controversy?
Yes. Despite losing Abhishek at a crucial moment, SRH recovered through Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Kumar Reddy, who rebuilt the innings after a mini-collapse from 111/1 to 118/4. SRH eventually posted 226/8, and then bowled KKR out to win by 65 runs.
So the result went SRH’s way. But the umpiring debate is far from over, and Abhishek’s wallet is a little lighter for expressing what millions of fans were already thinking.
