In a remarkable rise that underscores his growing stature in international cricket, Abhishek Sharma has climbed into the top 20 of the ICC T20I batting rankings, joining Indian stalwarts Suryakumar Yadav and Virat Kohli in the elite list. The 24-year-old left-handed batter, known for his explosive strokeplay and fearless intent, has been rewarded for his consistent performances in recent bilateral series and the Asia Cup 2025.
Abhishek’s ascent marks a significant milestone in his career, placing him among the most impactful T20I batters globally. With a current rating of 678 points, he now sits at No. 18 in the ICC rankings, ahead of established names like Glenn Maxwell and Babar Azam, and just behind Kohli, who holds the No. 15 spot. Suryakumar Yadav continues to lead the Indian contingent at No. 2, trailing only Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan.
ICC T20I Batting Rankings – Top Indian Players (September 2025)
| Rank | Player Name | ICC Rating Points | Matches Played (2025) | Runs Scored | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Suryakumar Yadav | 832 | 14 | 612 | 174.5 |
| 15 | Virat Kohli | 689 | 10 | 408 | 138.2 |
| 18 | Abhishek Sharma | 678 | 12 | 446 | 162.8 |
Abhishek’s rise has been fueled by a string of match-winning knocks, including a blistering 72 off 38 balls against Bangladesh and a composed 54* against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup semi-final. His ability to dominate both pace and spin, coupled with his aggressive approach in the powerplay, has made him a vital cog in India’s T20I setup.
Speaking after India’s Asia Cup triumph, head coach Rahul Dravid praised Abhishek’s maturity and adaptability. “He’s not just a hitter—he’s a smart cricketer. He reads the game well and knows when to accelerate. That’s what makes him special,” Dravid said.
Abhishek Sharma – 2025 T20I Performance Breakdown
| Series / Tournament | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 50s | Notable Innings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asia Cup 2025 | 5 | 198 | 49.5 | 158.2 | 2 | 72 vs Bangladesh |
| India vs Zimbabwe Series | 3 | 122 | 40.6 | 170.1 | 1 | 65 vs Zimbabwe |
| India vs Australia Series | 4 | 126 | 31.5 | 162.0 | 1 | 54* vs Australia (Nagpur) |
Abhishek’s inclusion in the elite ICC rankings also reflects India’s evolving T20I strategy, which now prioritizes aggressive top-order batting and flexible middle-order options. With Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul focusing on ODIs and Tests, the younger crop led by Abhishek, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Tilak Varma is being groomed for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
The ICC rankings update has sparked excitement across social media, with fans celebrating Abhishek’s rise and hailing him as India’s next big T20 star. Hashtags like #AbhishekSharma, #T20IRankings, and #NextGenIndia have trended across platforms, reflecting the buzz around his performances.
Public Sentiment – Abhishek Sharma’s ICC Ranking Surge
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.3M mentions | 88% celebratory | #AbhishekSharma #T20IRankings |
| 1.1M views | 90% supportive | #NextGenIndia #CricketBuzz | |
| 980K interactions | 84% optimistic | #IndiaT20Future #SharmaOnFire | |
| YouTube | 860K views | 86% analytical | #AbhishekHighlights #CricketRanking |
Former cricketers have also weighed in, with Yuvraj Singh tweeting, “Proud of this Punjab lad! Abhishek’s rise is no surprise—he’s worked hard and deserves every bit of it.” Harsha Bhogle noted in a recent podcast, “He’s the kind of player who can change the game in 10 balls. That’s gold in T20 cricket.”
Abhishek’s journey from domestic cricket to international stardom has been marked by resilience and reinvention. After a modest IPL debut in 2018, he transformed his game under the mentorship of Brian Lara and Tom Moody at Sunrisers Hyderabad, eventually becoming one of the most feared openers in the league.
His domestic record in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and India A tours further cemented his credentials, with selectors now viewing him as a long-term prospect across formats.
Abhishek Sharma – Career Progression Snapshot
| Year | Milestone / Achievement | Format / Team | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | IPL debut with Delhi Daredevils | T20 | Scored 46 off 19 balls |
| 2022 | Breakout IPL season with SRH | T20 | 426 runs, strike rate 146.8 |
| 2023 | India A tour of South Africa | List A / T20 | 3 fifties, consistent top-order role |
| 2024 | India T20I debut vs Ireland | T20I | 42 off 28 balls |
| 2025 | Asia Cup heroics, ICC top 20 entry | T20I | Cemented place in India’s XI |
With the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 just months away, Abhishek’s form and ranking boost could play a decisive role in team selection and strategy. His ability to bat anywhere in the top three, bowl part-time spin, and field with agility makes him a multi-dimensional asset.
As India prepares for its next T20I assignment against South Africa in November, all eyes will be on Abhishek Sharma—not just as a rising star, but as a player ready to shoulder responsibility on the global stage.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available ICC rankings, match reports, and verified player statistics. It does not constitute official team selection or endorsement. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. The content is intended for editorial and informational purposes only.
