Abhishek Sharma’s fiery innings was pivotal in handing the victory to India in their second T20I against Zimbabwe on Sunday. The 23-year-old became the 4th youngest Indian to hit triple figures in T20I’s as he reached his 100 off just 46 balls before losing his wicket on the next ball. The intent was clear from ball one for Sharma, as he pulled the spinner over Square-leg for a maximum to mark his first runs for India. In the first T20I on Saturday, Abhishek Sharma departed for a duck, something his haters must have enjoyed.
But boy did he bounce back in style, and now, he is a serious threat to those who are in contention to replace Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as India’s long-term T20I openers. And there is a long list of very talented names in the fray. From the current skipper Shubhman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, but the one whose future has been affected the most is Ishan Kishan.
The Ranchi-born wicketkeeper-batsman has played for India in all 3 formats of the game. But he last played for India all the way back in November of last year, in the third match of the T20I series against Australia post the ODI WC 2023. After which, Ishan Kishan had opted for a break from International cricket. Talking with the Indian Express, Ishan Kishan stated, “I was scoring runs and then I found myself on the bench. These things do happen in a team sport. But I experienced travel fatigue. It meant there was something wrong, I was not feeling well or right and so I decided to take a break.”
While Ishan Kishan, with a renewed spirit, will be back in action soon in the domestic circuits and the IPL next year, it remains to be seen if he gets a call from the India selectors. Ishan further talked about representing India in all 3 formats. He stated, “I see myself playing in all three formats. I have done well in T20Is, ODIs and Tests as well.” But the reality is, Rishabh Pant is back from his Injury, and Dhruv Jurel has been performing quite well for India as well. Owing to Pant’s heroics for India in Tests, and his performances in the T20 WC, replacing him seems difficult.
If that wasn’t enough it’s safe to say, Abhishek Sharma’s rise equals Ishan Kishan’s demise. If not as a wicketkeeper, Ishan Kishan’s value falls drastically. And that’s because not only has Abhishek Sharma been on a meteoric rise in T20’s but he also offers part-time bowling services to his captain. While his slow left-arm spin might not be the best there is, on Indian pitches it is a very useful tool. And with the 2026 T20 WC being hosted in India, it enhances Sharma’s chances to play for Team India.
