World No. 1 T20I Batter Abhishek Sharma Flops Again for Punjab

World No. 1 ranked T20I batter Abhishek Sharma continues to struggle as Punjab’s captain in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025. Expected to lead from the front in a stiff 208-run chase against Haryana, Abhishek once again disappointed as he managed to score just 6 runs off 5 balls.

This is now his second consecutive failure in SMAT 2025 and fourth poor innings in a row across tournaments. With an important international series against South Africa coming up, his dip in form has raised serious concerns.

Abhishek Sharma’s Short Stay — 6 Runs Off 5 Balls

Playing at the Gymkhana Ground in Hyderabad, Punjab needed a strong and steady start. But in the third over, Abhishek Sharma was bowled by Anshul Kamboj.

His short knock included:

• 1 boundary

• A 27-run opening partnership with Prabhsimran Singh

• No signs of the aggressive intent he is known for

Punjab’s momentum was broken early, and expectations from the world No. 1 were left unfulfilled again.

Punjab’s Top Order Struggles

Prabhsimran Singh, the wicketkeeper-batter who had an impressive IPL 2025 season, also failed to make an impact.
His figures:

• 20 runs from 10 balls

• 1 four, 2 sixes

Even though he started well, he couldn’t convert it into a big innings. Punjab’s chase derailed quickly after both openers fell inside the powerplay.

A Concerning Dip in Form

Abhishek Sharma’s recent numbers tell a worrying story. He hasn’t played a standout knock in his last four professional matches.

Recent Scores

Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025

• 4 vs Himachal Pradesh

• 6 vs Haryana

India A vs South Africa A (Unofficial ODIs)

• 31

• 32

• 11

Although these aren’t terrible ODI numbers, they are nowhere close to the expectations from a player who is:

• Leading Punjab

• Ranked No. 1 in T20Is

• On the verge of joining India’s T20I squad for the SA series

Missed Chance For India’s ODI Squad

Abhishek had a golden chance to earn an ODI call-up for the South Africa series. But his average performance in the India A ODIs cost him dearly.

Meanwhile, Ruturaj Gaikwad shined with:

• 1 century

• 1 half-century

And earned a spot in the India ODI squad as Shubman Gill’s injury replacement.

This highlights a big missed opportunity for Abhishek, who was expected to push hard for ODI selection.

Haryana Batters Dominate — Sindhu & Ankit Shine

While Punjab’s top order struggled, Haryana’s batters unleashed absolute domination.

Nishant Sindhu — 61 off 32 balls

• 8 fours

• 3 sixes

• High strike rate (190+)

• A crucial 74-run stand with captain Ankit Kumar

Ankit Kumar — 51 off 26 balls

• 5 fours

• 4 sixes

• Displayed clean, fearless hitting

Sindhu also stitched a strong 62-run partnership with Yashvardhan Dalal later in the innings, helping Haryana put a massive total on the board.

What This Means for Abhishek Sharma?

Despite being the World No. 1 T20I batter, Abhishek’s current form is far from ideal. With the India vs South Africa T20I series approaching, these failures are likely to:

• Increase selection pressure

• Raise questions about his role as an opener

• Force selectors to rethink their playing XI strategy

• Put his confidence to test

His explosive batting style is his biggest weapon, but right now, it’s missing.

The Pressure Is Mounting

As captain of Punjab, expectations are even higher. Domestic tournaments like SMAT play a crucial role in selection, and consistent failures can affect his chances for future tours and ODI opportunities.

Key Highlights of the Match & Performance

• Abhishek Sharma: 6 runs (5 balls)

• Punjab chasing: 208 runs

• Two consecutive failures in SMAT 2025

• Four poor innings in a row overall

• Haryana’s Sindhu (61) & Ankit (51) starred with the bat

• Gaikwad’s A-series performance pushed him into India’s ODI squad

• Abhishek’s South Africa T20I preparation looks shaky

Conclusion

Abhishek Sharma is undoubtedly one of India’s brightest limited-overs talents. However, his recent string of low scores — especially in a crucial domestic tournament like SMAT — is worrying for Punjab fans and Indian selectors alike.

With the T20I series against South Africa just around the corner, Abhishek must regain his form quickly.
The upcoming matches in SMAT 2025 could define how confident he enters the international arena next month.

FAQ

1. Will Abhishek Sharma be selected for the South Africa T20I series?

Most likely yes, but his poor SMAT form raises questions about his starting XI position.

2. Why is Abhishek Sharma struggling in SMAT 2025?

He appears out of rhythm, with mistimed shots and lack of composure during the powerplay.

3. Who performed best in the Punjab vs Haryana match?

Haryana’s Nishant Sindhu (61) and Ankit Kumar (51) were the standout performers.

4. Did Abhishek have a chance to enter the ODI squad?

Yes, but his average India A performance allowed Ruturaj Gaikwad to take that opportunity.