Indian batting star Abhishek Sharma is on the verge of achieving some remarkable feats in T20 International cricket this year. Abhishek Sharma has been in great form with the bat in 2025, and he will look to continue his dominance in the upcoming series against South Africa.
The young opening batsman is currently preparing for the five-match T20 series against South Africa starting on December 9 in Cuttack. After the Proteas series, the Men in Blue will also play another five-match T20I series against New Zealand ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Abhishek Sharma eyes historic T20 achievement when India face South Africa
Well, Abhishek Sharma is on the verge of registering his name in the record books in the upcoming T20 series against South Africa. With five matches still left to play in 2025, the left-handed batsman has a real chance of finishing as the leading run-scorer in T20I cricket for the year.
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Currently, Zimbabwe’s Brian Bennett is on top with 936 runs in T20I cricket this year. However, there are no further matches scheduled in Zimbabwe this year, meaning Bennett may not be able to attend. This gives a clear opportunity to Abhishek and others to climb to the top.
Abhishek Sharma could end up as the leading T20I run scorer by 2025
Abhishek Sharma has already scored 756 runs in 17 matches at an incredible strike rate of 196.36, proving how aggressive and effective he is in the shortest format of the game. This player from Punjab has one century and five half-centuries in his account. Among players from Full Member nations, Abhishek is currently the fourth leading run scorer in T20Is for the year.
Now, Abhishek needs just 181 more runs to overtake Bennett to take the number one spot and end the year 2025 as the leading run scorer in T20Is. Looking at his form, he is likely to reach this mark in the home series against South Africa and it would be a big achievement for him.
Barabati Stadium to host T20I for the first time on red clay pitch
Meanwhile, the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack is set to host its first T20I match on a red clay pitch when India take on South Africa in the opening match of the five-match T20I series on Tuesday. The new surface is expected to have some bounce, some grass and favorable batting conditions.
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Since this is a brand new pitch, there is uncertainty about its nature among players and teams. India have played two T20 matches at the Barabati Stadium before this match, both against South Africa, and lost both matches. The red clay wicket gives India a chance to change their record in Cuttack and make a strong start to the home series against the Proteas.
The first match in Cuttack will be important for India to understand how the new pitch plays. The red-clay surface adds extra excitement, while both the batsmen and bowlers will have to adapt quickly if they are to make an impact in the opening match of the T20I series on Tuesday.
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav is waiting for new circumstances. With only 10 T20Is left before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, these matches are being used to test combinations, fine-tune team balance and decide the roles of players.
