The T20 match between Team India and Afghanistan established that Abhishek Sharma will serve as India’s primary opener for T20 matches. The left-handed batter delivered a phenomenal display in the first T20I against New Zealand because he achieved an unstoppable start which enabled India to start the match successfully.

Abhishek reached his half-century in just 22 balls which demonstrated why he remains one of the most dangerous batters in world cricket today. He scored 84 runs after facing 35 balls which included five hits to the boundary and eight hits that went over the stadium lights.

Abhishek Sharma has reached his 34th T20I match with the Indian team through this performance which brought him to a total of 1,199 runs. The player has scored two centuries and seven half-centuries while achieving a batting average of 190.93 which shows his aggressive batting style at the top of the order.

Irfan Pathan’s 2027 World Cup Suggestion

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has now sparked an interesting debate by suggesting that Abhishek Sharma should join the ODI team and play for India in the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Pathan expressed his selection opinion through the social media platform X by stating that Abhishek should be included in the 50-over World Cup selection process. He acknowledged that players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad are currently ahead in the pecking order but urged selectors to imagine Abhishek’s impact if he replicates his T20 power-hitting during the ODI powerplay.

Pathan wrote that Abhishek Sharma would hit sixes in the ODI powerplay exactly like he does during T20 cricket.

Abhishek Sharma has not yet played his first ODI match for India.

Rohit–Gill Opening Pair and What Lies Ahead

Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma who formerly served as team captain now open the batting for India in ODIs. The Indian team continues to search for future players and Abhishek has become a valuable asset who competes against other players.

The T20 World Cup 2026 will take place in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 until March 8. Abhishek’s performance in the New Zealand series which he maintains at his current pace will increase Team India’s assurance before their major tournament.

India enters the World Cup as top contenders because they have won multiple series during their recent matchups. The Indian team under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy achieved their first World Cup championship in 2024 which established their dominance in international cricket.