As India prepares for the five-match T20I series against Australia starting October 29, the focus is on two promising young talents — Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma. Abhishek, who was named ‘Player of the Tournament’ in the record-breaking Asia Cup, brings immense power and explosive batting at the top. In contrast, Tilak offers stability and calculated aggression in the middle order, earning ‘Player of the Match’ honours in the Asia Cup final.
As India prepares for the five-match T20I series against Australia starting on October 29, the spotlight is on its young talent. Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma, two of India’s most promising batting prospects, are approaching the 1,000-run milestone, a mark that highlights their growing influence in international T20 cricket.
Abhishek Sharma’s ascent has been remarkable. With 849 runs in just 24 T20Is at an impressive strike rate of 196.07, the left-hander has transformed India’s power-hitting approach. Following his ‘Player of the Tournament’ performance at the Asia Cup, he is just 151 runs away from reaching 1,000 T20I runs.
In 2025, Abhishek Sharma has been in exceptional form, amassing 593 runs in 12 innings at an average of 49.41 and a strike rate of 208.80. His 54-ball 135 against England stands out as one of the year’s most explosive innings, demonstrating his capability to dominate even the strongest bowling attacks in world cricket.
If Abhishek Sharma reaches 1,000 T20I runs within his next three innings, he will equal Virat Kohli’s record as the joint-fastest Indian to achieve this milestone. This would be a fitting recognition for a batter whose fearless intent and consistency have made him one of India’s most exciting T20 performers this season.
Tilak Varma, India’s composed yet powerful left-hander, is just 38 runs away from his first 1,000 T20I runs. With 962 runs from 32 matches at an average of 53.44 and two centuries to his name, the Hyderabad-based youngster has solidified his position as one of India’s most reliable middle-order batters.
At the Asia Cup, Tilak Varma was a model of consistency, scoring 213 runs in six innings at an average of 71.00. He anchored India’s campaign and secured the title with a composed 69* in the final against Pakistan, earning him the ‘Player of the Match’ award.
In 2025 alone, Tilak Varma has quietly built one of the most dependable T20I records. In 12 matches this year, he has scored 346 runs at an average of 57.66 and a strike rate of 131.55, proving that classical technique and clean power can coexist in the shortest format.
As the young Indian side, led by Suryakumar Yadav, prepares to face Australia Down Under, the duo of Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma embodies the team’s fearless, attacking spirit. Their performances could shape not just this series but India’s long-term approach to the next generation of T20 cricket.
