Abhishek Sharma Becomes World No. 1 T20I Batter, Dethrones Travis Head in ICC Rankings
Abhishek’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. After making his T20I debut in mid-2024, the 24-year-old has delivered a string of standout performances that quickly propelled him into the global spotlight. He now sits at the top of the ICC T20I batting rankings with 829 rating points, overtaking Head’s tally of 814. With this, Abhishek becomes only the third Indian ever to achieve this milestone after Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav.
His consistency and aggressive stroke play have been a hallmark of India’s T20I resurgence over the past year. One of his most memorable innings came during the England series in early 2025, where he smashed a stunning 135 off just 54 balls, showcasing his ability to dominate elite bowling attacks. This knock is now considered a defining moment in his young international career.
What makes this feat even more impressive is the short time it took for Abhishek to reach the top. In just 17 T20I matches, he has scored over 700 runs at an average of nearly 45 and a blistering strike rate above 190. His two centuries and multiple quick-fire fifties have made him a crowd favorite and a dependable force in India’s top order.
Travis Head, who was the reigning No. 1 batter for over a year, has not featured in recent T20I series, which opened the door for Abhishek to climb the rankings. Head’s absence in Australia’s latest white-ball fixtures allowed the Indian batter’s recent performances to take full effect in the points tally.
Abhishek's rise is not just a personal milestone but also a reflection of India’s depth in T20I talent. Fellow Indian batters Tilak Varma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Suryakumar Yadav also feature in the top 15, demonstrating the team’s strong bench strength.
This achievement comes at a crucial time for India as they prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Abhishek’s form will be key in India’s campaign, and the pressure of wearing the No. 1 tag is expected to test his temperament and consistency going forward.
Fans and cricketing legends have praised Abhishek’s journey, noting his fearless approach and adaptability. Social media has been abuzz with congratulatory messages, with many calling him “India’s next big thing” in T20 cricket.
As the ICC rankings continue to evolve, Abhishek Sharma’s rise to the summit stands as a testament to his hard work, natural talent, and the impact a young cricketer can make on the global stage in a short span of time.