In the 21st match of the 19th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) opener Abhishek Sharma etched his name into the record books for an unwanted reason. During the clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, Abhishek was dismissed without scoring a single run. This dismissal marked a significant low in his T20 career as he became the Indian player with the most ducks in a single calendar year, overtaking established stars like Rohit Sharma and Sanju Samson.
The Dismissal Against Jofra Archer
The match began with Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag winning the toss and opting to bowl first. The focus was entirely on the explosive opening duo of Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head. However, the anticipation turned into disappointment for the home crowd when Rajasthan's premier pacer Jofra Archer struck on his very first delivery, while abhishek Sharma attempted a big shot towards the third-man region but failed to time it correctly, resulting in a simple catch. This golden duck added to the growing list of scoreless innings for the young left-hander in 2026.
Surpassing Rohit Sharma and Sanju Samson
With this dismissal, Abhishek Sharma has now recorded 7 ducks in T20 cricket in the year 2026. Previously, the record for the most ducks by an Indian in a calendar year was jointly held by Rohit Sharma and Sanju Samson. Rohit Sharma had recorded 6 ducks in 33 T20 matches during 2018, while Sanju Samson matched that figure in 2024 across 32 innings. Abhishek Sharma has surpassed both by reaching 7 ducks in just 18 innings this year, highlighting a concerning trend in his recent batting form.
Statistical Breakdown of 2026 Performance
Despite holding a high position in the ICC T20 rankings, Abhishek Sharma's performance in 2026 has been characterized by extreme volatility. 58. While he has scored 5 half-centuries, the high frequency of ducks has impacted his overall contribution to the team. Out of his 7 ducks this year, 4 have been 'golden ducks,' where he was dismissed on the very first ball he faced. This statistical anomaly has become a point of discussion among cricket experts and fans alike.
Historical Context of T20 Ducks
The list of Indian players with the most ducks in a calendar year now sees Abhishek Sharma at the top with 7 ducks in 18 innings (2026). He's followed by Rohit Sharma with 6 ducks in 32 innings (2018) and Sanju Samson with 6 ducks in 32 innings (2024). Gurkeerat Singh Mann holds the fourth spot with 5 ducks in 19 innings recorded back in 2013. As the IPL 2026 season progresses, the pressure remains on the Sunrisers Hyderabad management to address the opening slot's consistency, given Abhishek's current struggle to get off the mark in nearly 40% of his outings this year.