NEW DELHI: India's young batting sensation Abhishek Sharma has made a stunning leap in the latest ICC T20I rankings after his record-breaking knock of 135 runs off just 54 balls against England. This remarkable innings not only marked the highest individual score by an Indian men's cricketer in T20 internationals but also propelled Sharma 38 places up the rankings, placing him second overall and just 26 rating points behind Australia's Travis Head, who remains at the top.
Abhishek's rise has been nothing short of meteoric since he made his T20I debut earlier last year. Known for his fearless stroke play and aggressive batting approach, the 24-year-old has emerged as a pivotal player for India’s white-ball format. His remarkable performance is highlighted by his record-setting innings, where he achieved the fastest Indian half-century—reaching 50 runs off just 17 balls before going on to complete his century in 37 deliveries.
Sharma has quickly garnered attention, not only for his batting prowess but also for adding firepower to India's T20 lineup. Following his explosive innings at the Wankhede Stadium, he now finds himself among the elite, with Team India boasting three batters within the top five of the ICC rankings: Tilak Varma at third and captain Suryakumar Yadav at fifth.
The rankings update also revealed notable movement among India’s bowlers. Varun Chakravarthy, who excelled throughout the series, climbed to joint second place after taking 14 wickets against England, solidifying his status as one of the top bowlers. Meanwhile, fellow leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi increased his standing to sixth position after a strong showing.
Interestingly, the success of the Indian team extends beyond batting, as the all-rounders also made significant gains. Hardik Pandya moved up five spots to 51st among batters, and Shivam Dube made headlines by jumping 38 positions to 58th after key contributions during the series.
Reflecting on his rapid ascent, Abhishek attributes much of his success to his family’s unwavering support and the mentorship of cricketing legend Yuvraj Singh. Following his extraordinary performance, Yuvraj praised him publicly, stating, "That’s where I want you," which Abhishek described as incredibly motivating.
With this newfound recognition, Abhishek Sharma has made it clear he is focused on continuing his impressive form. "I hope to work hard and aim higher. The highest spot is the goal," he shared, expressing his ambitions for trends to follow. Despite his recent victories, Abhishek knows he will need to maintain his game, as there are no immediate T20I fixtures lined up for India. His impressive tally of 279 runs during the five-match series against England established him as the tournament's leading run-scorer, outshining England’s Jos Buttler significantly.
After his stand-out performance, cricket analysts and fans alike have drawn favorable comparisons between Abhishek and Yuvraj Singh, highlighting not merely statistical parallels but also the charismatic nature of his gameplay. Yuvraj, revered for his explosive talents, seems to have passed the torch to Sharma, whose style echoes the aggressive playing format the two have much in common.
Cricketing circles remain excited about Abhishek’s potential, particularly after his record of 13 sixes during the match not only marked the most by any Indian player but also spotlighted the versatility needed to tackle high-speed bowling. England's captain, Jos Buttler, remarked on Sharma's incredible performance, stating, "I think credit to Abhishek Sharma, I thought he played fantastically well," emphasizing the awe his innings inspired among his competitors.
Even England's coach, Brendon McCullum, noted the significance of Sharma's innings, positioning him among some of the best hitters seen throughout the T20 era: "We’ve seen so many players over the years able to put on displays like this—Chris Gayle, Aaron Finch—maybe Abhishek Sharma is putting his hand up as one of those players," he stated, highlighting his growth within the short format.
Despite the accolades and the rush of validation from critics and former players alike, Abhishek remains grounded. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus and working with his coaches to refine his skills, as he prepares for India's upcoming tours. Just like Yuvraj Singh during his early years, Abhishek embodies the centerpiece of excitement for the national team's future plans.
India's strong showing against England, finishing the series with 4-1 victory, not only reflects the collective effort of the team but also shines light on upcoming personalities like Abhishek Sharma, poised to drive the team forward. This compelling narrative continues to evolve, as cricket fans look on with hopeful eyes for what the future holds for another of India's promising T20 talents.