Abhishek Sharma produced a stunning reminder of his explosive batting ability as India began their T20I series against Afghanistan with a commanding seven-wicket victory in New Delhi. The left-hander smashed 82 off just 32 balls, making the 157-run chase at the Arun Jaitley Stadium look remarkably straightforward. However, Abhishek’s innings meant more than just a return to form. India entered the opening T20I after a difficult period in white-ball cricket, having suffered a 2-0 T20I series defeat against Ireland before also enduring setbacks during their limited-overs assignments in England.
One dominant performance was never going to erase those results, but Abhishek Sharma believes India should not abandon the aggressive approach that has become central to their T20 identity. “We always wanted to give that start as openers, especially wickets like this, if you’re chasing 150, 160, and you give an early start as openers, it always makes you on the winning side,” Abhishek said after the match.
Against Afghanistan, that philosophy worked perfectly. Abhishek Sharma appeared completely in control from the beginning, showing remarkable timing against both pace and slower deliveries. His ability to generate power without appearing rushed once again highlighted why he has become one of India’s most dangerous T20 batters.
ALSO READ: Mohammed Shami Sends Message To Selectors After Duleep Trophy Heroics
The 24-year-old reached his half-century from just 22 deliveries and eventually finished with seven fours and seven sixes. His aggressive approach, combined with Ishan Kishan’s support, helped India take control of the chase inside the powerplay. The pair added 121 runs from only 53 balls, effectively ending Afghanistan’s hopes of defending their total. India raced to 82/1 during the powerplay before completing the chase in just 13.4 overs, with 38 balls still remaining.
For Abhishek, however, the bigger takeaway was the manner in which India responded to their recent struggles. He insisted that a few disappointing series should not force the team to question its batting philosophy. “One or two series won’t define our team as a batting unit,” he said.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐚 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰, 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐥! 🌪️
Relive the clean striking, fearless intent and breathtaking strokeplay from Abhishek Sharma’s whirlwind innings.
Watch #AFGvIND 1st T20I, LIVE NOW on Sony Sports Ten 5 & Sony MAX.#SonySportsNetwork #SonyMAX pic.twitter.com/GekYBZxsKg
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 13, 2026
India’s decision to attack from the outset naturally comes with an element of risk. There will be matches when aggressive cricket results in early wickets and low totals. But Abhishek believes the team must remain committed to the style it deliberately adopted.
He recalled how India had discussed their approach two years ago, with the intention of playing fearless cricket and dominating opposition in the build-up to major tournaments. “Once you have decided,” Abhishek Sharma said, “because I still remember two years back we decided we want to play in a certain way.”
ALSO READ: Amol Muzumdar Backs India’s Decision To Snub Mohsin Naqvi At Asia Cup Trophy Ceremony
The Afghanistan match provided a perfect example of that philosophy working at its best. Rather than becoming conservative after a difficult run of results, India returned to their attacking style, with Abhishek Sharma leading the charge. His explosive 82 was therefore more than an individual comeback. It was a statement that India remain committed to their aggressive T20 blueprint. If the opening win against Afghanistan is any indication, Abhishek and the Indian batting unit will continue backing that approach despite the occasional setbacks.
