By After India’s victory over New Zealand in the second T20I in Raipur, captain Suryakumar Yadav remarked: “India can win even if Abhishek Sharma gets out early.”
However, cricket experts and fans know that Abhishek Sharma’s explosive batting has become a crucial factor in India’s T20 success. His ability to dominate the powerplay puts fear in opposition camps, giving India an edge before the first ball is even bowled.
From Humble Debut to T20 Sensation
Sharma made his international debut in Harare, July 2024, starting with a modest four-ball duck. Since then, he has transformed into one of India’s most dangerous T20 batsmen.
- In 36 T20I matches, the Amritsar southpaw has scored at a strike rate of 195.22, including two centuries and eight fifties.
- His aggressive style and fearless approach have made him a nightmare for bowlers.
During the Asia Cup 2025, Pakistani players reportedly feared losing early wickets to Abhishek Sharma. He dismantled Pakistan’s key fast bowlers, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, in the league stage, creating pressure on the opposition.
Master of High-Risk, High-Reward Cricket
Sharma’s innings in the third T20I against New Zealand in Guwahati highlighted his fearless approach:
- He smashed a 14-ball fifty, India’s second-fastest in T20Is, only behind Yuvraj Singh’s 12-ball record.
- In that 20-ball 68 not out, he did not play a single dot ball, setting the highest individual T20I score without a dot ball.
- His father and coach, Raj Kumar Sharma, praised his preparation, noting he trained on varied grounds, corporate matches, and unconventional pitches across North India to master adaptability.
“Yeh alag hi cricket khel raha hai. Isne Hindustan ki game change kar di hai,” said Raj Kumar Sharma, highlighting his son’s impact on Indian cricket.
Impact Beyond Personal Milestones
Abhishek’s presence in the lineup forces teams to strategize around him, often benefiting India’s middle order, including Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan, and captain Suryakumar Yadav.
- In Raipur, even after India lost 6 for 2, the team chased down 209 comfortably, showing the psychological advantage Abhishek provides.
- Captain Yadav may downplay it, but analysts agree that India’s T20 World Cup title defence will rely heavily on his powerplay dominance.
Future Prospects: T20 and Beyond
With the ODI World Cup approaching, discussions are ongoing about including Sharma in the 50-over squad. His father believes that Abhishek will bring the same fearless style to any format.
- His experiences working with legends like Yuvraj Singh, Brian Lara, Pat Cummins, and Travis Head have enhanced his skills.
- His high-risk, high-reward approach, combined with fan support and tactical training, positions him as one of India’s key match-winners.
“Only time will tell if he gets a chance in ODIs, but in T20Is, he is India’s main weapon,” experts note.
Key Stats Highlighting Abhishek Sharma’s Powerplay Dominance
- Three T20I fifties inside the powerplay, second only to a few international stars.
- Three fifties in 20 balls or fewer, leveling with Yuvraj Singh, David Warner, Colin Munro, and Phil Salt.
- Highest score without a dot ball in men’s T20Is: 68* off 20 balls.
Conclusion
If Jasprit Bumrah’s yorkers and Hardik Pandya’s all-round brilliance give India an edge, Abhishek Sharma’s explosive batting and fear factor secure half the battle before the match begins. For India’s T20 World Cup title defence, his performance in the powerplay is critical, making him as indispensable as any other star in the squad.
