Abhishek Sharma Approaches Virat Kohli’s T20I Record, Needs 64 Runs
Abhishek Sharma is on the brink of breaking a significant T20I record as the Indian cricket team prepares for their match against Australia. He needs just 64 runs to surpass Virat Kohli, becoming the fastest Indian to reach 1,000 T20I runs.
Match Details and Context
The third game of the five-match T20I series will take place on November 2, 2025, at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart. Currently, Australia leads the series 1-0, and India aims to level it.
Abhishek Sharma’s Impressive Performance
- Abhishek has played 26 matches and batted in 25 innings.
- He has scored 936 runs with an average of 37.44.
- His strike rate stands at an impressive 193.38.
- He has two centuries and six half-centuries to his name.
- His highest score is 135 off 54 balls against England in Mumbai.
In the previous match, he showcased his talent by scoring a rapid 68 off 37 balls, contributing significantly despite his team’s struggles.
Historical Comparison
To achieve his goal of 1,000 runs, Sharma needs to score these runs in his 27th match and 26th innings. Virat Kohli previously completed this milestone in 29 matches and 27 innings back in 2010 against South Africa.
Impact of Josh Hazlewood’s Absence
Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood will miss this encounter, which could provide a much-needed opportunity for India’s batters. Hazlewood has been a challenging opponent for the Indian lineup due to his accuracy and bounce.
His rest comes ahead of the upcoming Ashes series, allowing India to face bowlers like Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, and Sean Abbott with slightly less pressure.
Indian Squad Dynamics
Despite Hazlewood’s absence, confusion remains regarding the exclusion of left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh from the Indian team. Both team captain Suryakumar Yadav and vice-captain Shubman Gill have struggled with bounce and seam movement but are looking to improve their performances in this crucial match.
This upcoming match not only offers Abhishek Sharma a chance at a personal milestone but also a pivotal moment for the Indian team to equalize the series.
