Five golden ducks in 2026: Abhishek Sharma equals unwanted T20I record
Abhishek Sharma (BCCI Photo) NEW DELHI: Fireworks were expected when left-arm opener Abhishek Sharma walked out alongside Sanju Samson against Japan at the Sano International Cricket Ground on Tuesday.But Abhishek’s stay at the crease lasted just one ball.India captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to bat in a rain-hit five-a-side clash. Samson faced five balls and scored one before hitting Abhishek.Japan made an immediate breakthrough when Charlie Hara-Hinze dismissed Abhishek for a golden duck.Hara-Hinze bowled one on leg stump and Abhishek ducked to try and help the ball. But he only managed a top edge, with Shoma Sugaya-Slater running back to complete a fine catch.Abhishek was dismissed for 0 off 1, leaving India for seven runs with a big wicket from their explosive opener.
Most ducks in a calendar year in T20 is – seven each
- Zappy Gods (2023)
- Tuyisenge Orchids (2023)
- Saim Ayub (2025)
- Abhishek Sharma (2026) *
Most ducks in a calendar year in T20
- 10 Abhishek Sharma (2026) *
- 9 Rashid Khan (2019)
- 9 Shadab Khan (2024)
Abhishek equals unwanted T20I record
The dismissal was Abhishek’s fifth first-ball haul in T20Is in 2026, equaling Rwanda’s Kevin Irakoze (2023) and Richard Ngarawa (2024) for the most first-ball ducks by a batsman in a calendar year in men’s T20Is.His five first-ball ducks in T20Is this year came against New Zealand, USA, Ireland, New Zealand and Japan.Abhishek also registered 10 ducks in T20 cricket in 2026, the most by a batsman in a calendar year. Rashid Khan had nine ducks in 2019 while Shadab Khan also scored nine in 2024.The India opener is also among the batsmen with the most ducks in a calendar year in T20Is, with seven such dismissals in 2026.