Young wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan has shared his top 5 opening batsmen whom he would like to partner with the opening stand in the IPL. These are some of the cricket's all-time greats, and Ishan has huge admiration for all of them.

1. Virender Sehwag: With his aggressive batting style, Sehwag's bold attitude would make him a thrilling opening partner. Ishan likes Sehwag's capability to attack bowlers from the beginning.

2. Sachin Tendulkar: The "Master Blaster" is arguably the greatest cricketer of all time.Ishan would love to start with Sachin, watching his style and the calmness he possesses in the game.

Ishan Kishan's Top 5 Openers in IPL, He would love to Open with:

- Virendra Sehwag.
- Sachin Tendulkar.
- Rohit Sharma.
- Shubman Gill.
- Abhishek Sharma. pic.twitter.com/H3pu0e0nb7

— Sports Culture (@SportsCulture24) March 26, 2025

ALSO SEE: Watch: Swastik Chikara Talks About Virat Kohli & Casually Checks His Bag

3. Rohit Sharma: Being one of the most successful captains and openers in the history of IPL, Rohit Sharma is a player Ishan looks up to. His pairing with Ishan would be a great combination of experience and youth.

4. Shubman Gill: Young and gifted as an opener, Shubman Gill's cool and aggressive temperament would be an ideal partner for Ishan in the top order.

5. Abhishek Sharma: With loads of potential and a talented young player, Abhishek Sharma's attacking approach would balance Ishan's game and prove to be a superb opening duo.

These 5 openers are all geniuses and would bring their special kind of playing style to the IPL For Ishan Kish

Indian cricket fans have for years turned to Rohit Sharma, the "Hitman," as the nation's undisputed six-hitting monarch. But in the quick-fire world of T20 cricket, new heroes rise fast and one has risen quietly but explosively to the top of India's six-hitting charts.

Meet Abhishek Sharma. Since 2024, the left-handed youngster has overshadowed the big guns and emerged as one of the most feared power-hitters in the T20 game.

Let's have a glance at the leading five six-hitters in T20s since the beginning of 2024:

Most Sixes in T20s Since 2024

A New Indian Powerhouse

Abhishek Sharma's ranking above the likes of Charles and Russell might shock some, but not those who've closely followed him. The young Indian batsman has built a reputation for fearlessness, flair, and ferocious ball-striking without making much noise.

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Unlike some of the more established names, Abhishek's emergence is new. He's not a one-season wonder. His sixes are of all shapes pulls, slogs, pick-ups, and even cheeky ramps. His intention is clear: to dominate from ball one.

Where's Rohit?

The fact that Rohit Sharma is missing from the top five speaks volumes. The game is evolving, and so is the generation of players who are driving it forward. Rohit is still a legend, but players like Abhishek are changing the way Indian batters play T20 cricket with aggression in their DNA.

A Sign of India's Future

Abhishek's position alongside six-hitting giants of the world is not a personal achievement it's an indicator of the direction Indian cricket is moving in. The T20 game now requires explosive opening, relentless momentum, and finishers capable of hitting big from the first ball.

India has been on the lookout for match-winning power-hitters at the end of the order for years. With Abhishek coming up, they might have got one and, hopefully, a future match-winner of a T20 World Cup.

In a Caribbean-dominant list of power and South African brawn, Abhishek Sharma has made his mark with Indian panache and aggressive hitting. He is not the Hitman, but he's hitting harder, and more frequently, than anyone could have predicted.

Each IPL season has explosive batting performances, and some of the greatest power-hitters out there blast huge sixes and thrill the fans. With eyes on IPL 2025, one player who, in my opinion, is a front-runner to hit most sixes is Abhishek Sharma. The left-hander youngster has been in top-notch form and is looking to raise his power-hitting to the next level.

Why Abhishek Sharma Might Be the Six-Hitting King of IPL 2025

1. Natural Power-Hitter

Abhishek Sharma is a natural power-hitter. He doesn't merely hit sixes he clears the boundary. His clean timing and fearlessness make him one of the most thrilling young batters to watch.

2. Red-Hot Form

In the last couple of seasons, Abhishek has emerged as a vital cog for Sunrisers Hyderabad. His strike rate has been remarkable, and he has already proved his worth against top bowlers and in the powerplay.

3. Batting at the Top

In contrast to finishers who receive limited overs, Abhishek starts the innings or bats in the top order, which provides him with more time to settle and accelerate. This provides him with a greater opportunity to hit a lot of sixes during the season.

4. Enhanced Strength and Shot Selection

Over the past few years, Abhishek has improved his strength and his range of shots. Lofted drives, pick-up shots over midwicket, or slog sweeps – he can clear the stands from virtually anywhere.

ALSO SEE: 10 Young Indian Players Who Can Become the Next Big Thing in IPL 2025

5. Fearless Mindset

One of the biggest strength of Abhishek is his self-confidence. He doesn't show any hesitation to play against bowlers, whether a world-class pacer or an artful spinner. His bold attitude turns him into a formidable six-hitter.

Who Are His Biggest Rivals?

Abhishek Sharma is a formidable contender himself, but he will have some stiff competition in the form of the league's top hitters, including:

• Andre Russell (KKR) – An established six-hitting monster.
• Shivam Dube (CSK) – Has an innate capability of hitting sixes, particularly off-spin.
• Heinrich Klaasen (SRH) – Possibly the cleanest striker of the ball in world cricket.

Given his aggressive mindset, top-order batting slot, and easy-going ability to hit the ropes for six, Abhishek Sharma possesses all that it takes to be IPL 2025's six-hitting king. When he gets into his stride, fireworks every time he goes to bat can be expected.

Will he end up at the top of the six-hitting charts? We’ll have to wait and watch!

Which Team Has the Best Opening Pair in IPL 2025?

The IPL 2025 tournament is going to be a thrill ride, and powerful opening pairs will be a key to the success of any team. An effective opening stand lays the base for a good total or chase. Among all the teams, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) possess the best opening pair in IPL 2025.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) : Travis Head & Abhishek Sharma
SRH possess one of IPL 2025's best opening partnerships as it is as consistent as explosive. Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head, over the seasons that have come, have showcased remarkable performances on field, turning out to be the best at top order.

Why Are They the Best
Consistent Performance: Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head accumulated 599 runs in 13 matches in IPL 2024, with a partnership average of 49.91 runs per match.
Aggressive Batting Style: Both players possess aggressive batting styles, which guarantee good starts during the powerplay. Their capacity for hitting boundaries constantly keeps the opponent under pressure from the start.
Strong Partnerships: This duo achieved three-century partnerships in the last season, demonstrating their chemistry and dependability at the crease.
Flexibility: Pursuing or pursuing a target, Abhishek and Head change their game according to the match situation, making them very effective.
Left-Right Combination: Left-arm Abhishek Sharma and right-arm Travis Head create a tough scenario for bowlers, as it is challenging to get in a rhythm.

ALSO READ:Top 5 Uncapped Players to Watch in IPL 2025

2. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – Virat Kohli & Phil Salt
RCB possesses the second-best top opening combination in IPL 2025, consisting of Virat Kohli and Phil Salt. Their aggression coupled with experience makes them a deadly combination at the top order.

Comparison to Other Opening Pairs
Other teams also possess strong openers, but SRH's opener is special because they are consistent, have extremely high strike rates, and are capable of making big stands. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Virat Kohli & Phil Salt) and Kolkata Knight Riders (Sunil Narine & Quinton de Kock) do possess good openers, but not as regular as SRH's combination.

India's new batting star Abhishek Sharma has been terrorizing the cricketing fraternity with his bold strokeplay and brave shot-making. The left-hander's bold strategy as an opening batsman has been a revelation, and with two T20I centuries already in his kitty, he has become one of India's most promising young stars. A viral video in Dubai has been sweeping across social media, capturing the moment Wasim Akram meets Abhishek Sharma and showering praise on him for his sparkling ton against England.

Wasim Akram appreciating Abhishek Sharma in Dubai. ❤️pic.twitter.com/zMi9KnXEZX

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 24, 2025

ALSO SEE: Watch: Pakistani Fan Switches to Indian Jersey Mid-Match After Humiliating Performance

Men in Blue's emerging star was present for the thrilling Champions Trophy 2025 match between India and Pakistan in Dubai, where he met two Pakistani greats across the border – Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar.

Wasim Akram with Abhishek Sharma
The retired fast-bowling legends didn't mince words in their appreciation of the young man, giving him credit for his century against England at Wankhede as phenomenal.

When Wasim Akram opens his mouth, the cricketing fraternity listens. And when the Sultan of Swing goes out of his way to personally acknowledge a young cricketer, it says something about the ability and potential the player has.

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar recently praised a young Indian cricketer who has recently become a star in the Indian jersey with his aggressive batting performances in the T20I format. 

Shoaib Akhtar praised Abhishek Sharma

Shoaib Akhtar has praised Indian cricketer Abhishek Sharma, who has been in the news recently for his outstanding batting performances in the T20I format. The 24-year-old has already put a special mark among Indian cricket fans, and Akhtar is also impressed with him. On his social media accounts, Akhtar posted a video in which he praised Sharma in front of him and wished him the best of luck for his bright future. 

Just ran into an exceptional talent Abhishek Sharma here in Dubai. He'll do wonders in years to come. pic.twitter.com/8u6RNMZooS

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) February 22, 2025

See Also: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: India vs Pakistan - Check long list of prohibited for spectators

Abhishek Sharma is in dream form

The 24-year-old Abhishek Sharma is a left-handed batter and left-arm spinner. After his international cricket debut in July 2024 during the Zimbabwe tour, Sharma has played 17 T20Is, where the left-handed batter scored 535 runs with an average of 33.43 and a strike rate of 193.84, including two centuries and two half-centuries. Also, as a left-arm spinner, he picked up six wickets in his T20I career. 

After scoring a duck on his T20I debut, Sharma scored a 47-ball 100 in his second T20I. During the Centurion T20I last November, Sharma scored 25-ball 50 runs. He has now become a dependable opener for the Indian T20I side. 

Before the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Sharma finished as the leading run-scorer in the five-match home T20I series against England, which India won by 4-1. Sharma scored 279 runs in that series. After scoring a stormy 79 off 34 balls in the T20I series opener at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Sharma recorded the highest T20I score by an Indian with 135 runs from 54 balls in the last game of the T20I series at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. 

Sharma is in blistering form with the bat at present. Recently, in domestic cricket, he recorded the joint second-fastest T20 century and Punjab's highest-ever List A score (170). 

Abhishek Sharma, among the most exciting young guns of Indian cricket, is said to be in the running to become Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) vice-captain for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The SRH administration is mulling the left-hand batter for the role of leadership after his string of consistent performances over the last few seasons, sources within the franchise told.
A Key Player for SRH :
Abhishek Sharma has been the backbone of SRH, with key innings playing as a pinch-hitting aggressive top-order hitter. During the 2024 season of the IPL, he created a storm with his whirlwind 16-ball half-century against Mumbai Indians, demonstrating his power-hitting capabilities. Providing quick starts upfront with his play has been instrumental in SRH's consistent successes.

ALSO SEE :  Who is Niki Prasad? A Young Star Shines on WPL Debut

Consideration of his new-found form and increasing presence within the team, the franchise trusted him to such an extent, signing him on for the year 2025 at a pricey rate of ₹14 crore. 

🚨 ABHISHEK SHARMA 🚨

- Abhishek Sharma in contention to become SRH's Vice Captain at the 2025 IPL. (Cricbuzz). #WPL2025 pic.twitter.com/OyldqCnM6W

— Jonhs.🧢 (@CricLazyJonhs) February 15, 2025

Awaiting Official Confirmation
As the time of 2025 IPL is getting nearer, SRH fans eagerly await an official announcement regarding team leadership. In the event Abhishek Sharma is named the vice-captain, this will be his career record breaking and establish him even further within the team.

With his attacking batting and quick game sense, Abhishek has always justified his place. If he becomes the vice-captain, it might be a masterstroke for SRH as it will provide stability as well as firepower to their IPL 2025 campaign.

India's rising star, Abhishek Sharma, has achieved a career-high ranking in T20Is, making a meteoric leap of 38 places to claim the No. 2 spot in the ICC T20I batting rankings. The explosive southpaw’s sensational performances with the bat have propelled him ahead of some of the biggest names in the format. In a fascinating shift, he overtook his fellow teammate Tilak Varma, who dropped one spot to No. 3, as India’s young guns continue to dominate the rankings. With their fearless and dynamic approach, the duo is shaping the future of Indian T20 cricket on the global stage.

Abhishek Sharma lit up the series with a stunning display of power-hitting, scoring 279 runs in 5 matches at an average of 55.80 and a blistering strike rate of 219.68. His standout moment came with a record-breaking 135, the highest T20I score by an Indian, as he smashed 24 fours and 22 sixes. With 1 century and 1 fifty, Abhishek’s fearless batting tore apart England’s attack, making him the star of the series.

In-depth Analysis of Abhishek Sharma's Outstanding T20I Series

Abhishek Sharma etched his name in the history books with a breathtaking knock, registering India’s highest individual score in T20 internationals. His 135 off 54 balls surpassed Shubman Gill’s previous record of 126 against New Zealand in 2023, setting a new benchmark for Indian batters in the format. His innings was not just a national milestone but also a global spectacle. It became the sixth-highest individual score in T20Is involving Test-playing nations, placing him among an elite list of power-hitters who have dominated international bowling attacks.

Abhishek’s fifty came off just 17 balls, making it the second-fastest half-century by an Indian in T20Is, only behind Yuvraj Singh’s iconic 12-ball fifty against England in the 2007 T20 World Cup. His century followed in just 37 deliveries, making it the third-fastest in T20Is between Test-playing nations, trailing only Rohit Sharma and David Miller, who hold the joint record with 35-ball hundreds. Adding to his sensational display, Abhishek launched 13 sixes into the stands—the most ever hit by an Indian batter in a T20I innings. His fearless strokeplay and record-breaking performance cemented his place as one of India’s most exciting young talents, leaving fans and statisticians in awe of his explosive batting prowess.

Abhishek Sharma’s explosive batting in the series saw him smash 22 sixes in total, showcasing his incredible range and fearless strokeplay. While he cleared the ropes all around the ground, his favorite scoring zone was the covers region, where he deposited the majority of his maximums. Here’s a breakdown of his six-hitting areas: Covers region – Most of his sixes came from this area, highlighting his dominance through the off-side. Long-on – 4 sixes, proving his ability to target spinners and pacers with strong straight hitting. Long-off – 3 sixes, demonstrating balance and timing against both pace and spin.

Straight down the ground – 3 sixes, reinforcing his power in hitting over the bowler’s head. Fine leg – 2 sixes, capitalizing on short deliveries and well-timed flicks. Midwicket – 1 six, showing his adaptability in playing across the line. Third man – 1 six, an unconventional yet effective shot. Point – 1 six, showcasing his ability to carve the ball over the infield. His six-hitting spree not only powered India to key victories but also established him as one of the most dangerous batters in T20 cricket today.

Abhishek Sharma’s six-hitting ability in this series was nothing short of extraordinary, underlining his potential as a future T20 superstar. His ability to find the boundary in all areas of the ground made him a nightmare for bowlers, as he effortlessly combined power with precision. The sheer number of sixes at covers reflects his dominant off-side play, while his shots down the ground and towards fine leg highlight his all-round stroke-making prowess.

His confidence in taking on spinners and pacers alike, along with his ability to execute aggressive strokes without compromising technique, sets him apart from his contemporaries. With this record-breaking performance, Abhishek has not only announced himself on the global stage but has also given India a dependable and fearless hitter at the top. If he continues in this vein, he could redefine aggressive T20 batting for India in the years to come.

Recent India's 4-1 T20I series win over England has captured it's players into the top of the latest ICC T20I rankings. Abhishek Sharma, the left-handed opening all-rounder, has shot up 38 places to attain the No. 2 ranking among T20I batters.while Varun Chakravarthy secures No. 2 among bowlers.

Dominance of India in T20:

Whether it’s in the T20 World Cups or in bilateral series, India has consistently shown they are one of the most successful teams. With rising stars like Abhishek Sharma stepping up, the team is only getting stronger. India’s passion for the game and the depth of their talent make it clear that they are set to rule the T20 for upcoming years. Still, there is alot to come from India about domination in any format of the game.

- Abhishek Sharma number 2 in ICC T20I Batters ranking.

- Varun Chakravarthy number 2 in ICC T20I bowlers ranking.

THE DOMINANCE OF WORLD CHAMPIONS...!!!! pic.twitter.com/tnOS3fe2ds

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 5, 2025

Abhishek Sharma : A batting rise 

Recently Abhishek gave the best of his young-international career cricketing innings and smashed a belligerent 135 that came in a fifth and the final match played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai and a sudden move in ranking from 38 place forward .Abhishek Sharma's fearless batting and attacking stance has captured cricketing world on a storming ride. Along with consistent knocks, he's been able to rise to no. 2 in the ICC T20I batting rankings. The way Abhishek would take on any bowler on day one from the very begning and play cricket aggressively has him become a solid contributor for the shortest format from India. Everyone is loving him for his style of playand a future diamond for Indian cricket.

He is proving that his mentor is yuvraj singh.

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T20 International (T20I) Career:

• Matches Played: 17
• Innings Batted: 16
• Runs Scored: 535
• Batting Average: 33.43
• Strike Rate: 193.84
• Centuries: 2
• Half-Centuries: 2
• Highest Score: 135
• Fours: 46
• Sixes: 41

In his T20I career, Sharma has also contributed with the ball:

• Wickets Taken: 6
• Best Bowling Figures: 2/3
• Bowling Average: 25.50
• Economy Rate: 8.05

Varun Chakravarthy : Bowling Dominance :

Varun Chakravarthy is the mystery spin bowler who has also catapulted to No. 2 in the ICC T20I bowling rankings. The variations and control over the spin make him a great threat to opposition batters.

He was at his best in the recent T20I series against England. He awarded as the Player of the Series for his excellent bowling as he took 14 wickets throughout the series.

T20 International (T20I) Career:

• Matches Played: 18
• Innings Bowled: 18
• Overs Bowled: 68.3
• Runs Conceded: 481
• Wickets Taken: 33
• Best Bowling Figures: 5/17
• Bowling Average: 14.57
• Economy Rate: 7.02
• Strike Rate: 12.4
• Four-Wicket Hauls: 0
• Five-Wicket Hauls: 2

In the Mumbai T20I, which is the series finale of the five-match T20I series between India and England, Indian opener Abhishek Sharma slammed an unforgettable T20I century by smashing many T20I records.

After England captain Jos Buttler chose to field first, India put a great T20I total of 247/9 in 20 overs. The left-handed opening batter Abhishek Sharma was completely unstoppable as he scored 135 off 54 balls with the help of seven fours and 13 sixes.

See Also: India Wins U19 Women’s T20 World Cup for the Second Time

Here are some great records of Abhishek Sharma in the Mumbai T20I against England

Sharma completed his 50 runs in just 17 balls.

• Sharma recorded the second-fastest T20I half-century. Yuvraj Singh holds the record with 12-ball fifty against England during the ICC World T20 2007. 

Sharma completed his century in just 37 balls.

• Sharma recorded the eighth fastest T20I century.
• Sharma recorded the second-fastest T20I century by an Indian. The record is a 35-ball hundred by Rohit Sharma against Sri Lanka during the 2017 Indore T20I.
• Sharma recorded the fastest T20I century by any batter against England. The previous record was a 47-ball century by the Australian cricketer Aaron Finch (in Southampton 2013) and West Indies legend Chris Gayle (in Mumbai 2016). 

Sharma recorded his third T20I hundred

• Sharma became the third Indian and ninth overall batter to record three or more T20I centuries.

Batters with most T20I centuries

Sharma scored 135 runs in the Mumbai T20I

• It was the highest individual score by an Indian batter. The previous record was 126 not out by Shubman Gill against New Zealand in the 2023 Ahmedabad T20I. 
• It was the second-highest individual score by any batter against England. The record is 156 runs by Australian cricketer Aaron Finch during the 2013 Southampton T20I.

Sharma hit 13 sixes

• Abhishek Sharma recorded the most sixes in a T20I innings by an Indian batter. The previous record was 10 sixes, which were done by Rohit Sharma (vs Sri Lanka in 2017 Indore), Sanju Samson (vs South Africa in 2024 Durban), and Tilak Varma (vs South Africa in 2024 Johannesburg).
• Sharma recorded the second most sixes in a T20I innings by any batter against England. The record is 14 sixes by Aaron Finch during the 2013 Southampton T20I.