Abhishek Sharma’s fiery run to reach 1000 T20I runs was bettered only by Virat Kohli (Images via AP) Abhishek Sharma reached another milestone in his fiery international career by becoming the second fastest Indian batsman to reach 1000 runs in T20 Internationals. Only Virat Kohli has achieved the feat in fewer innings.Abhishek reached the landmark in his 28th innings, one behind Kohli, who got there in 27. The left-hander is now ahead of KL Rahul (29 innings), Suryakumar Yadav (31) and Rohit Sharma (40) in the list of the fewest innings taken by Indian players to reach 1000 T20Is.
Abhishek Sharma Press Conference: Harshit Rana’s match in tough Australian conditions
The milestone also highlighted Abhishek’s remarkable efficiency. He scored the fastest 1,000 T20I runs in terms of balls faced among players from Full Member nations, reaching the mark in just 528 deliveries. He surpassed the previous best marks of Suryakumar Yadav (573 balls), followed by Phil Salt (599), Glenn Maxwell (604) and Andre Russell & Finn Allen (609). The milestone came during India’s fifth and final T20I against Australia at The Gabba, where Abhishek opened the innings alongside Shubman Gill. The pair gave India a flying start, racing to 52 in 4.5 overs before play was stopped due to lightning. At the break, Abhishek was batting on 23 off 13 balls with one four and one six, while Gill was unbeaten on 29 off 16 deliveries. The match was abandoned as stormy weather swept through Brisbane, forcing officials to direct spectators indoors for safety reasons.
Fastest to 1000 T20I runs (with balls)
- 528 Abhishek Sharma
- 573 Suryakumar Yadav
- 599 Phil Salt
- 604 Glenn Maxwell
- 609 Andre Russell / Finn Allen
Fewest innings per 1000 T20I runs
- 27 Virat Kohli
- 28 Abhishek Sharma
- 29 KL Satisfied
- 31 Suryakumar Yadav
- 40 Rohit Sharma
If and when play resumes, the batsman will consider him lucky to still be on the field, given that he was dropped twice early by the Australian fielder – first by Glenn Maxwell and later by Ben Dwarshuis.
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Earlier, Australian captain Mitchell Marsh had won the toss and elected to field first, naming an unchanged line-up. India made one change, bringing in Rinka Singh for Tilak Varma, who was rested. India lead the five-match series 2-1 and are aiming to wrap up another T20I series win on Australian soil. However, the weather remains a key factor as teams wait for play to resume. If the match is called off, India will win the series 2-1.
