Abhishek Sharma's rise in the world of T20 cricket is a testament to his dedication and talent, beginning from his early days in Amritsar. At just three-and-a-half years old, he picked up a cricket bat, thanks to the influence of his father, Raj Kumar Sharma, a former cricketer. This early start laid the foundation for a career that would see him become a regular in the Indian national team and achieve the highest-ever ICC T20I batting rating.
Sharma's journey through the ranks of Punjab cricket was marked by impressive performances. During the 2015-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy, he amassed over 1,200 runs at an astonishing average of 109.09, while also claiming 57 wickets. His leadership skills shone through when he captained Punjab to victory in the Under-19 Asia Cup in 2016. A year later, he was part of India's triumphant Under-19 World Cup squad, further establishing his reputation as a promising young talent.
At the age of 17, Sharma entered the Indian Premier League (IPL) when the Delhi Daredevils selected him in the 2018 auction. However, his career did not take off immediately. He spent several seasons honing his skills in domestic cricket and the IPL before finding a platform that suited his aggressive batting style.
One pivotal figure in Sharma's development was former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, who became his mentor. During the COVID-19 lockdown, Yuvraj worked closely with him, encouraging Sharma to embrace his attacking instincts rather than play it safe. This mentorship significantly influenced Sharma's approach to T20 cricket, allowing him to flourish as a dynamic batsman.
Sharma made his T20I debut in July 2024, but it was his explosive innings against England in February 2025 that truly announced his arrival on the international stage. Scoring 135 runs off just 54 balls in Mumbai, he hit 13 sixes and reached a century in just 37 deliveries, showcasing his potential as one of India's most formidable T20 batters.
His performances continued to impress, particularly during the 2025 Asia Cup, where he scored 314 runs in seven matches at a remarkable strike rate of 200. His contributions earned him the Player of the Tournament award and propelled him to the top of the ICC T20I batting rankings. Following a score of 61 against Sri Lanka, Sharma achieved a record-breaking 931 rating points, surpassing the previous record held by Dawid Malan.
In 2025, Sharma became the first player to score over 1,000 runs in T20 cricket in a single calendar year while maintaining a strike rate above 200. His IPL exploits were equally impressive, highlighted by a stunning 141 off 55 balls against Punjab Kings, breaking the record for the highest score by an Indian batter in IPL history.
Sharma's development has been influenced by various cricketing legends, including Shikhar Dhawan, Brian Lara, and Travis Head. His partnership with Head at Sunrisers Hyderabad illustrated how effectively his aggressive style could dismantle top bowling attacks. At the 2026 T20 World Cup, Sharma played a crucial role in India's title-winning campaign, contributing with a blistering 52 off 21 balls in the final against New Zealand.
As of now, Abhishek Sharma has played 56 T20Is from 2024 to 2026, accumulating 1,629 runs in 55 innings at an average of 30.73 and a remarkable strike rate of 187.24. His career includes two centuries and 11 fifties, with a highest score of 135. His aggressive batting style is evident in his tally of 164 fours and 104 sixes, marking him as a significant force in T20 cricket.
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