India’s opening combination against Afghanistan was one of the biggest talking points before the first T20I in New Delhi. With Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in contention, the team had a major selection call to make.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi had recently enjoyed a brilliant series against Zimbabwe, where he became the youngest player to represent India at the senior level. He was also named the Player of the Match in the third T20I and the Player of the Series. Despite that, India left him out of the playing XI for Sunday’s first T20I.
The decision immediately raised questions, especially because Abhishek Sharma had struggled for runs in his recent six T20I innings. But the 26-year-old cricketer from Amritsar answered those doubts in the best possible way, with a stunning 82 off just 32 balls. Chasing 157 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Abhishek Sharma completely dominated Afghanistan’s bowling attack. His explosive innings included 7 sixes and 7 fours, helping India finish the chase before Afghanistan could build any real pressure.
Abhishek Sharma had entered the series under pressure after playing against Ireland, England and Zimbabwe without producing a major innings in his last six matches. His scores during that stretch were 10, 16, 3, 1, 8 and 2. His poor form, combined with Sanju Samson’s struggles, had created an opportunity for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The teenager had impressed with his fearless batting and ability to attack quality bowlers, leading to suggestions that either Abhishek Sharma or Sanju Samson could make way for him.
However, Abhishek’s performance against Afghanistan has changed the situation. He began his innings carefully, playing two dot balls in the opening over before hitting left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi for a six. He then attacked Azmatullah Omarzai with a six and a four before finding another boundary against Mujeeb Ur Rahman. The assault continued in the fifth over when Abhishek Sharma smashed Fazalhaq Farooqi for a six and a four from the final two deliveries, racing to 43 from only 13 balls. He then struck consecutive boundaries against Mohammad Nabi at the end of the powerplay.
Even the arrival of Afghanistan’s premier spinner Rashid Khan could not slow him down. Abhishek Sharma immediately hit him for a four. He reached his half-century in only 22 balls during the ninth over. He then hit Rashid Khan for a six and a four before smashing two consecutive sixes against Noor Ahmad. His seventh and final six came in the 11th over against Mohammad Nabi. Abhishek Sharma attempted another big shot from the final ball but Rashid Khan completed the catch near the boundary. By then, however, the damage was already done.
The innings was more than just another spectacular T20 performance. It showed exactly why India’s team management has continued to back Abhishek Sharma. He can attack pace and spin, clear the boundaries regularly and put enormous pressure on the opposition during the powerplay.
The result also puts greater pressure on Sanju Samson. Despite winning the Player of the Tournament award at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 and scoring three T20I centuries in 2024, Sanju Samson has still not secured a permanent place in India’s T20I side.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi remains a special talent. At only 15, his performances suggest he could become a major long-term option for India. But for now, Vaibhav represents the future, while Abhishek remains an important part of India’s present. If India eventually decides to bring Vaibhav into the playing XI, Sunday’s performance suggests Abhishek is unlikely to be the player making way.
The timing of his innings makes it even more significant. Abhishek Sharma produced his match-winning knock precisely when questions about India’s opening combination were at their highest and comparisons with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi were dominating the discussion.
Instead of answering with words, he responded with his bat.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi may be knocking loudly on the door but after his explosive 82 off 32 balls, Abhishek Sharma has made one thing clear: he has no intention of giving up his place at the top anytime soon.
Well played Abhishek Sharma!
