Indian opening batsman Abhishek Sharma has started the year 2026 with a massive bang. In the first T20I match against New Zealand ahead of the. T20 World Cup, Abhishek played a sensational knock of 84 runs. This performance has not only solidified his place in the team but has also sparked intense comparisons with former Indian captain and legendary opener Rohit Sharma, while while Rohit is considered the 'Hitman' of world cricket, Abhishek's early career numbers are suggesting the rise of a new phenomenon.
The Run Machine: Abhishek vs Rohit
When we look at the statistics after 34 T20 International matches for both players, the gap is quite significant, while abhishek Sharma has played 34 matches and scored 1199 runs in 33 innings at an impressive average of 37. 46. In contrast, Rohit Sharma, who retired after a legendary career of 159 T20Is, had scored only 527 runs in 27 innings after his first 34 matches, with an average of 29. 27. Abhishek has scored more than double the runs Rohit had at the same stage of his career.
Centuries and Fifties: A Clear Gap
Abhishek Sharma's ability to convert starts into big scores has been the highlight of his career so far. In 34 matches, he has already smashed 2 centuries and 7 half-centuries, while his highest score of 135 stands as a testament to his dominance. On the other hand, Rohit Sharma didn't have a single century to his name after 34 T20Is. He had managed to score 5 half-centuries, with a best score of 79 not out. Abhishek's hunger for big hundreds sets him apart in the current era.
The Strike Rate Revolution
In the modern T20 era, strike rate is the ultimate currency. Abhishek Sharma is currently operating at a strike rate of 190, while 92, which is terrifying for any bowling attack. Rohit Sharma, during his initial 34 matches, had a strike rate of 127. 29. While Rohit eventually became one of the most destructive batsmen in the world, Abhishek has started his journey at a much higher gear, reflecting the aggressive evolution of Indian T20 batting.
Boundary Hitting Prowess
The difference in boundary hitting is where Abhishek truly shines. In his 34 matches, he has cleared the ropes 81 times and hit 112 fours. Rohit Sharma, at the same point in his career, had hit 41 fours and only 20 sixes. Abhishek's 81 sixes compared to Rohit's 20 shows the sheer power and fearlessness the youngster brings to the crease, while he's currently averaging more than two sixes per match, a stat that few in world cricket can match.
Legacy in the Making
While it's unfair to compare a youngster to a legend. Who has played for 17 years, Abhishek Sharma's trajectory is undeniably special. He's filling the void left by Rohit Sharma in the T20 format with remarkable ease. As India prepares for the 2026 T20 World Cup, Abhishek. Sharma is emerging as the cornerstone of the batting lineup. If he continues this form, he's well on his way to becoming the next global icon of the shortest format of the game.
