Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen has praised Abhishek Sharma’s explosive rise in Twenty20 Internationals, praising the Indian opener’s courageous performances in the Asia Cup 2025 and the recent T20I series against Australia.
Since the last T20 World Cup, India’s ultra-attacking strategy has been greatly aided by Sharma’s batting style. In the just finished five-match Twenty20 International series against Australia, the rising star maintained his incredible form, scoring the most runs in India’s victory.
After India defeated Australia 2-1, Pietersen publicly referred to Abhishek Sharma as the “most complete opening batter in T20 cricket” and stated that he wasn’t shocked by his achievements. Abhishek won Player of the Series twice in a row for his achievements in the Asia Cup and the Australia tour.
“Not surprised at all by this. Abhishek is the most complete opening batter in T20 cricket. Fearless, courageous and talented!,” wrote Pietersen on his X account.
With 163 runs in five innings at an average of 40.75 and a strike rate of 161.39, Abhishek emerged as the Australia series’ top run scorer. Josh Hazlewood’s pace and bounce made it difficult for other batters to match his top score of 68 (37) in the second Twenty20 International in Melbourne.
Abhishek became the fastest batter to reach 1,000 T20I runs in just 528 balls during the fifth T20I at the Gabba. He broke the previous records of Suryakumar Yadav (573 balls) and Phil Salt (599 balls).
Abhishek has amassed 1,012 runs from 28 innings at an average of 37.48 and a strike rate of 189.51 in 29 Twenty20 Internationals. India’s recent T20 victories have been largely attributed to Abhishek’s ability to accelerate at the top, as evidenced by his two hundreds and six fifties, including a career-best of 135. After India won the series, Abhishek said he wanted to play at home in the T20 World Cup the following year.
“It is one of the biggest tournaments (the T20 World Cup at home next year). It is my dream come true moment if I get to play in the World Cup. As a kid, I have always dreamt about this – winning the World Cup and winning matches for my country,” said Abhishek in the post-match press conference.
Abhishek will next be seen in action in the five-match T20I series against South Africa, which starts on December 9 in Cuttack.
