Abhishek Sharma thrilled the Mumbai crowd with a stunning 135-run innings off just 54 balls against England. The records he broke during this innings and what lies ahead for him.
India’s swashbuckling opener, Abhishek Sharma, produced a jaw-dropping performance at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, smashing a 37-ball century against England in the fifth T20I. His stunning 135-run knock off just 59 balls not only propelled India to their highest T20I total at the venue but also sent a strong message about his ability and credentials as a long-term opener in the shortest format.
This innings came at a crucial juncture in the series, with India already having sealed the contest 3-1. But for Abhishek, it was an opportunity to cement his position at the top after being entrusted with the role post-Rohit Sharma’s retirement from T20Is after he flourished in 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) for SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH). The southpaw did so in emphatic fashion, breaking several records and showcasing why he is India’s next big thing in T20 cricket.
A Record-Breaking Knock
Abhishek began cautiously, allowing Sanju Samson to take the lead early in the innings. However, once Samson departed in the third over, Abhishek unleashed an onslaught on the England bowlers. He took Jofra Archer apart with a boundary and two sixes, followed by a brutal attack on Mark Wood in the next over, who was bowling fireboults with almost every delivery clocking the 150 kmph mark. In just four overs, India reached 50.
By the end of the powerplay, Abhishek had already shattered records, bringing up his fifty in just 17 balls—the fastest by an India batter at home and the second-fastest overall for India in T20Is. He continued his aggressive approach, reaching his century in just 37 deliveries, the second-fastest by an India batter after the T20 World Cup-winning skipper, Rohit Sharma.
His knock included a stunning 13 sixes, the most by an India batter in a T20I innings, surpassing Rohit’s 10 against Sri Lanka in 2017. By the time he was dismissed, India had already breached the 200-run mark, setting the foundation for a mammoth total.
Read More: IND vs ENG, 5th T20I, 2024-25: Abhishek shines as England succumb to their biggest defeat in T20Is
Abhishek Sharma Breaking Records Along the Way
Fastest T20I Fifties for India (by balls)
1. 12 balls – Yuvraj Singh vs England (Durban, 2007)
2. 17 balls – Abhishek Sharma vs England (Mumbai, 2025)
3. 18 balls – KL Rahul vs Scotland (Dubai, 2021)
4. 18 balls – Suryakumar Yadav vs South Africa (Guwahati, 2022)
Highest Individual Scores for India in T20Is
1. 135 – Abhishek Sharma vs ENG (Mumbai, 2025)
2. 126* – Shubman Gill vs NZ (Ahmedabad, 2023)
3. 123* – Ruturaj Gaikwad vs AUS (Guwahati, 2023)
4. 122* – Virat Kohli vs AFG (Dubai, 2022)
5. 121* – Rohit Sharma vs AFG (Bengaluru, 2024)
Most Sixes for India in a T20I Innings
1. 13 – Abhishek Sharma vs ENG (Mumbai, 2025)
2. 10 – Rohit Sharma vs SL (Indore, 2017)
3. 10 – Sanju Samson vs SA (Durban, 2024)
4. 10 – Tilak Varma vs SA (Johannesburg, 2024)
Read More: IND vs ENG, 1st T20I, 2024-25: Abhishek’s sparkling 79(34) helps India crack England’s modest 132
Has Abhishek Sharma sealed his spot for T20 World Cup 2026?
With performances like these, Abhishek Sharma is making it nearly impossible for selectors to ignore him. His ability to dominate world-class bowling attacks from the very first ball makes him the ideal T20 opener—something India have long sought.
Unlike modern-day T20 batters who rely on ramp shots and unorthodox stroke play, Abhishek sticks to his natural game—clean hitting, traditional cricket shots, and sheer power. His approach is reminiscent of the fearless openers, blending controlled aggression with conventional stroke-making.
Moreover, his consistency has been remarkable. He averages 33.43 while striking at nearly 200 (193.84).
What about Jaiswal?
One challenge to Abhishek’s place could come from Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was the part of India’s 2024 T20 World Cup -winning team and has been temporarily out of the T20I setup due to his commitments in Test and ODI cricket. Once he returns, the competition for the opening slot will intensify. However, unless Abhishek suffers a prolonged dip in form, it will be hard to displace him from the lineup.
India’s top-order dilemma seems to have found a solution in Abhishek Sharma. His explosive hitting, consistent performances, and match-winning ability make him the frontrunner for the opening slot in the 2026 T20 World Cup. If he continues this form, India may have just found their next great T20I opener—one who can dictate terms from the very first ball.
For now, the message is clear: Abhishek Sharma has arrived, and he is here to stay.
Read More: Abhishek Sharma’s 100 (47) creates buzz; Should Team India groom him as opener for next T20 WC?
