Explained: How Abhishek Sharma Became World No. 1 Batter DESPITE No T20Is for 6 Months

It was time to enter the history books for Abhishek Sharma as he became only the fourth Indian batter to be ranked No. 1 in T20Is by the ICC. Virat Kohli, Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav are the only others to have that honour. In the latest rankings released by the ICC on July 30, Abhishek had the top spot among the batters in the shortest format.

Topping the Charts

He derailed SRH teammate Travis Head from the top spot. Abhishek tops the charts with 829 points while Head has 814 at No. 2. Tilak Verma is third with 804 points while Phil Salt (791) and Jos Buttler (772) complete the top five.

© X/BCCI

Remarkable Feat

What makes Abhishek’s feat even more amazing is the fact that India have not played T20Is for six months. India’s only T20I series this year came in late January-early February when England visited our shores. This was just before the Champions Trophy. India mainly focussed on ODI cricket with a series vs England before the ICC event, which they both won. Then came the IPL and after that the Test tour of England.

How It Happened

Despite India not playing any T20Is since February 2, Abhishek has climbed up to the top spot. How did it happen? It was because Head lost points! Head did not play for Australia as they crushed West Indies 5-0 so as a result lost points on the table. This allowed Abhishek to take his position. Head will next be seen in T20Is when Australia in August host South Africa. He last played the format in September 2024.

© X/BCCI

When Will He Play Next?

We shall next see Abhishek in action in T20Is when India play the Asia Cup in UAE from September 9 to 28. His form has been good as the man made 279 runs in the last T20I series with an average of 55.80 and strike rate of 219.69. He hit one century and one fifty.

T20I Record

His debut came in July 2024 and since then Abhishek has made 535 runs in 17 games with a 33.4 average. His strike rate is a whopping 193.85 and he has two 100s plus two 50s with a top score of 135 vs England. He turns 24 this year so the youngster has time on his side to make it big on the international stage. At the moment, he’s not played in any other format for his country but the future may see him representing India in ODIs and Tests.