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 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 where 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

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.

ALSO READ:Key Players to Watch in the India-Pakistan Clash – Champions Trophy 2025

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. 

While England and India are ready for the second T20I at Chennai, the hosts have suffered a major blow as the Kolkata T20I hero is doubtful for the Chennai T20I.

India are leading the five-match home T20I series against England by 1-0 after winning the series opener at Kolkata by seven wickets with 43 balls remaining. While England scored 132 all out in 20 overs after losing the toss, where only the skipper Jos Buttler managed to fight hard with his 68 runs, India chased down the target in 12.5 overs after losing three wickets.

Kolkata T20I heroes

During the Kolkata T20I, the left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh provided a strong start for the hosts by dismissing both the English openers cheaply, Phil Salt (0) and Ben Duckett (4), and became the leading T20I wicket-taker for India by surpassing the leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. 

Later, the Player of the Match Varun Chakravarthy controlled the English innings, which inspired the other Indian bowlers to dominate the English batters. Chakravarthy took three wickets, as he had the bowling figures of 4-0-23-3. He took the wickets of Harry Brook (17), Liam Livingstone (0), and the skipper Jos Buttler (68).

In the second innings, opener Sanju Samson provided a powerful start with his 22 runs in the second over to Gus Atkinson. 

Although Samson was dismissed for 26 off 20 balls, his opening partner Abhishek Sharma completely thrashed the English bowlers to set up a comfortable win for the hosts. While the left-handed batter completed 50 runs in 20 balls, he scored 79 off 34 balls with five fours and eight sixes.

See Also: England set to make one change for Chennai T20I

Abhishek Sharma is doubtful for the Chennai T20I

However, Abhishek Sharma is doubtful for the second T20I at Chennai, which will be played on Saturday (January 25) night. During the practice session on Friday, the 24-year-old twisted his right ankle.

Hosts India started the five-match T20I series against England dominantly with a one-sided seven-wicket win at Kolkata on Wednesday night, which created a new history.

After the Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav chose to field first, England scored 132 runs in 20 overs, where they also lost all ten wickets. In reply, India reached the target in just 12.5 overs after losing only three wickets. 

Largest T20I win by balls remaining against England

While India have taken a 1-0 lead in this five-match T20I series with four to go after winning the opener by seven wickets, India recorded the fastest successful T20I chase for any team against England as they chased down the target with 43 balls remaining in the second innings. Australia were the previous record holder by winning against England by seven wickets with 33 balls remaining during the 2018 Melbourne T20I. In the meantime, it was India's sixth-largest T20I win by balls remaining, and their second-largest home T20I win by balls remaining.   

Jos Buttler was the lone warrior in England innings

Apart from the skipper Jos Buttler, all other English batters failed against the Indian bowlers. Although the opening batters, Phil Salt (0) and Ben Duckett (4) failed cheaply to Arshdeep Singh, Buttler was powerful as England scored 46/2 at the end of the powerplay. However, the other batters had no clue against the Indian spinners, especially against Varun Chakravarthy, as the English skipper didn't get any proper support. 

While Buttler scored 68 off 44 balls with the help of eight fours and two sixes, Harry Brook (17) and Jofra Archer (12) were the only other English batters with double-digit scores. 

While the spinner Varun Chakravarthy took three wickets (3/23), who also won the Player of the Match award, Arshdeep Singh (2/17), Axar Patel (2/22), and Hardik Pandya (2/42) collected two wickets each. 

See Also: Arshdeep Singh becomes the leading T20I wicket-taker for India

Abhishek Sharma dominated after Sanju Samson's powerful start

In reply, the opener Sanju Samson provided a strong start by scoring 22 runs in the second over of the innings against Gus Atkinson. Although Samson and the skipper Suryakumar Yadav were dismissed in the fifth over for 26 and a duck, respectively, another opener Abhishek Sharma totally took control of the game with his powerful batting. 

The left-handed opening batter Sharma completed his second T20I half-century in just 20 balls and scored 79 off 34 balls before Adil Rashid dismissed him in the late moment of the innings. In that special innings, Sharma hit five fours and eight sixes, and he had an 84-run partnership with Tilak Varma for the third wicket. At that successful chasing, Varma was not out for 19 runs, and Hardik Pandya scored three not out. 

Indian opener Abhishek Sharma has continued his dangerous batting form in the five-match T20I series opener against England at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, as his dominant batting destroyed the visitors. 

Chasing down the 133 runs target, which wasn’t a big deal at the Eden Gardens pitch, opener Sanju Samson provided a solid start with 22 runs against Gus Atkinson in the second over of the innings. Jofra Archer brought some hope with two wickets in the fifth over of the innings by dismissing Samson (26) and the skipper Suryakumar Yadav (0), but the other opener Abhishek Sharma produced a powerful performance and denied any further hiccup for the hosts. 

See Also: RCB players flop show: English cricketers disappoint in Kolkata T20I

Abhishek Sharma recorded second fastest T20I half-century by an Indian against England

The left-handed batter Sharma completed his second T20I half-century in just 20 balls as he recorded the second-fastest T20I half-century by an Indian against England. The record is obviously the popular 12-ball half-century by Yuvraj Singh during the ICC World T20 2007, where the left-handed Indian batter smashed six sixes in an over of Stuart Broad.

Most sixes by an Indian against England

Sharma scored 79 off 34 balls with the help of five fours and eight sixes. His eight sixes set a new record for most sixes by an Indian batter against England in a T20I innings. Yuvraj Singh was the previous record holder in this list with seven sixes during their ICC World T20 2007 clash. In the 84-run partnership with Tilak Varma for the third wicket, Sharma completely dominated with his bat.

When Adil Rashid took Sharma’s wicket, India were only eight runs away from the win, and they had 49 balls remaining. Without any doubt, the hosts comfortably chased the target and won by seven wickets with 43 balls remaining.

Abhishek Sharma in dream form

While Sharma scored a duck on his T20I debut and a century in the next game, it was his second half-century in the last three T20I matches.

In the recently concluded domestic one-day tournament, Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25, Abhishek Sharma scored four consecutive 50+ scores, including Punjab’s highest List A score of 170 runs, and five 50+ scores in six games.

Cricket runs in the blood of many Indians, creating an enormous fanbase which has been prominent for quite a long time. However, in 2024, the landscape of the cricketing ecosystem has changed. Regarding Google Search, the modern-day gladiators have been surpassed by rising stars who have demonstrated their prowess on the most significant stage.

The IPL has always provided an excellent platform for rising players to demonstrate their abilities; this year has been no exception. The top three include two uncapped players who have performed admirably on a stage like the IPL.

At the same time, the first spot is retained by the all-rounder who displayed his impeccable comeback through the medium of cricket. That said, here's the list of the top three most searched players on Google, 2024 edition. 

Abhishek Sharma and Prabhsimran Singh Shine with 644 Runs in 3 Matches, Eye India vs England Squad Spot

Abhishek Sharma and Prabhsimran Singh are two rising star cricketers from India who've been performing well in domestic cricket. In just three matches, they conjoined it by scoring a whopping 644 runs together. Their amazing performance is showing everyone they're ready to play. People are now speaking a lot about whether these men will graduate to play for India in the upcoming major series against England, all because they're playing so well consistently.

Impressive Performances in Domestic Cricket

Abhishek Sharma is really proficient at going up to hit first and has been playing amazing lately. Abhishek Sharma's great at building from the ground up a large score, slowly or quickly, speeding things if that's what's needed, which is vitally important for playing cricket around the world. In his latest games, he's been hitting the ball smoothly, showing he's sharp and informed about the game, and dealing with tough moments like a pro.

Prabhsimran Singh, the wicketkeeper-batter, has been amazing because he can change his approach to fit different conditions and fight off all kinds of bowlers. Singh's been extremely steady, always achieving up large scores and keeping his team in the lead. With how good he's been with the bat, he's proving he should join the Indian team.

ALSO READ:Former Indian top-order batter lashes out captain Rohit Sharma's Sydney Test decision

Abhishek Sharma & Prabhsimran Singh: Opening for Punjab in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25

Building a Case for the India vs England Series

Abhishek and Prabhsimran have really stepped up and proved they have the skills needed when it gets very challenging, which is vitally important for facing a tough team such as England. With the India vs England series just around the corner and expected to be really close and tough, scouts are definitely going to pick players who are on top of their approach.

Abhishek Sharma and Prabhsimran Singh have impressed with outstanding performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25. Their consistent form has sparked discussions about their potential inclusion in India’s squad for the upcoming series against England.Abhishek Sharma and Prabhsimran Singh have impressed with outstanding performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25. Their consistent form has sparked discussions about their potential inclusion in India’s squad for the upcoming series against England.India is trying to create a good all-around team, so players who are good in all types of the game are really wanted. Because Abhishek can strike the ball with great force in white-ball cricket and he's also played a lot of domestic traditional games, he makes the batting group stronger. At the same time, having Prabhsimran, who can use the bat to hit the ball and also keep wickets, lets the team try different and new options more and have more game plans.

Abhishek Sharma & Prabhsimran Singh: Stats in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25