IND vs SA T20: Abhishek Sharma on the Verge of History in Final T20I, Eyes Kohli's 9-Year-Old Record

The fifth and final match of the five-match T20 series between India and South Africa is scheduled to. Be played on December 19, starting at 7 PM IST, at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This crucial encounter presents a significant opportunity for young and aggressive Indian opening batsman Abhishek Sharma to etch his name into cricket history, while he stands on the brink of surpassing a formidable 9-year-old record held by none other than Virat Kohli, needing just 47 runs to achieve this remarkable feat. While Abhishek's bat hasn't fired as expected in the series so far, all eyes will. Be on him to deliver a substantial and match-winning performance in the final T20I in Ahmedabad. Should he succeed, he will comfortably break Kohli's long-standing record.

Virat Kohli's Enduring 9-Year-Old Record

The record for the most runs scored by an Indian player in T20. Cricket within a single calendar year currently belongs to the legendary Virat Kohli. He achieved this remarkable milestone in 2016, accumulating a total of 1614 runs throughout that year. Since then, no other Indian cricketer has come as close. To breaking this record as Abhishek Sharma is right now. This particular record is considered a significant benchmark in Indian cricket history, and Abhishek has a unique chance to surpass it. Kohli's batting prowess that year saw him play numerous memorable innings,. And now Abhishek has the opportunity to leave a similar indelible mark.

Abhishek Sharma's Stellar Performance in 2025

The year 2025 has been exceptionally brilliant for Abhishek Sharma in T20 cricket, showcasing his aggressive batting style and consistent scoring. Delving into his statistics, Abhishek has participated in a total of 40 T20 matches this year, batting in 39 innings. During this period, he has amassed an impressive 1568 runs at a remarkable average of 203. 10. His year has been highlighted by three magnificent centuries and nine half-centuries, underscoring his consistency and ability to convert starts into big scores. This stellar performance has brought him within touching distance of Kohli's record, with only 47 runs separating him from the milestone. His consistent form suggests he's well-equipped to perform under pressure on a big stage.

Anticipation for a Big Knock in the Decider

To break Virat Kohli's 9-year-old record, Abhishek Sharma needs to score just 47 runs, while this target is certainly not insurmountable for a batsman of his caliber, especially considering his current form and aggressive approach to the game. The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, known for its batting-friendly pitches, could provide an ideal platform for Abhishek to showcase his talent and play a significant innings. Team India will also be banking on him to provide a strong start, particularly as this final match of the series is a decider.

If he embraces this challenge and plays his natural game, this record is well within his reach, adding another feather to his cap. While Virat Kohli holds the record for the most T20 runs by an Indian. In a calendar year, it's important to note the global record for this achievement. The overall world record for the most runs scored in T20 cricket. In a single year belongs to the explosive West Indies batsman Nicholas Pooran.

Pooran achieved an incredible feat in 2024, accumulating a staggering total of 2331 runs. This figure highlights the immense scoring potential and rapid pace at which batsmen can accumulate runs in the T20 format, while although Abhishek Sharma is quite a distance from Pooran's world record, breaking the Indian record would be a monumental achievement in itself, propelling his career to new heights and solidifying his position as a promising talent.

Potential Changes in Team India's Playing XI

In the upcoming final T20I between India and South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Team India's playing XI might see some significant alterations. Reportedly, opening batsman Shubman Gill sustained an injury just before the fourth T20 match, casting doubt over his participation in the fifth and final encounter. If Gill is unavailable, it could present another opportunity for Abhishek Sharma to further cement his place and role within the squad. Also, there is an expectation that India's premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, might make a return to the playing XI, which would Importantly bolster the team's bowling attack. These potential changes could influence the team's strategy, especially given the high stakes of this series-deciding match. This match won't only determine the winner of the series but also serve as a historic occasion for Abhishek Sharma personally. All eyes will be on his batting performance to see if he can break Virat Kohli's record and write a new chapter in Indian cricket history.