Abhishek Sharma overtakes Surya, KL Rahul in T20I record list; only Virat Kohli has better record
Abhishek Sharma’s fiery run to reach 1000 T20I runs has only been bettered by Virat Kohli (Images via AP) Abhishek Sharma reached another milestone in his fiery international career, becoming the second-fastest Indian batter to score 1000 runs in T20 Internationals. Only Virat Kohli has achieved the feat in fewer innings.Abhishek reached the landmark in his 28th innings, one behind Kohli, who got there in 27. The left-hander is now ahead of KL Rahul (29 innings), Suryakumar Yadav (31), and Rohit Sharma (40) on the list of fewest innings taken by Indian players to reach 1000 T20I runs.
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The milestone also highlighted Abhishek’s striking efficiency. Among players from Full Member nations, he has scored the fastest 1000 T20I runs in terms of balls faced, reaching the mark in just 528 deliveries. He surpassed the previous best marks held by Suryakumar Yadav (573 balls), followed by Phil Salt (599), Glenn Maxwell (604) and Andre Russell & Finn Allen (609). The landmark came during India’s fifth and final T20I against Australia at The Gabba, where Abhishek opened the innings alongside Shubman Gill. The pair gave India a flying start, racing to 52 in 4.5 overs before play was halted due to lightning. At the time of the pause, Abhishek was batting on 23 off 13 balls with one four and one six, while Gill was unbeaten on 29 off 16 deliveries. The match was interrupted as stormy weather swept across Brisbane, forcing officials to direct spectators indoors for safety reasons.
Fastest to 1000 T20I runs (Balls faced)
- 528 Abhishek Sharma
- 573 Suryakumar Yadav
- 599 Phil Salt
- 604 Glenn Maxwell
- 609 Andre Russell/ Finn Allen
Fewest innings to 1000 T20I runs
- 27 Virat Kohli
- 28 Abhishek Sharma
- 29 KL Rahul
- 31 Suryakumar Yadav
- 40 Rohit Sharma
If and when play resumes, the batter will consider him lucky to still be on the pitch, given that Australia fielder dropped him twice early on – first by Glenn Maxwell and then later on by Ben Dwarshuis.
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Earlier, Australian captain Mitchell Marsh had won the toss and elected to bowl first, naming an unchanged lineup. India made one change, bringing in Rinku Singh for Tilak Varma, who was rested. India lead the five-match series 2-1 and are aiming to wrap up another T20I series win on Australian soil. The weather, however, remains a key factor as the teams wait for play to resume. If the game is called off, India will claim the series 2-1.
