Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jan 22: India’s aggressive left-hander Abhishek Sharma has etched his name alongside West Indies legend Chris Gayle by becoming one of the fastest batters to reach 5,000 runs in T20 cricket, underlining his rapid rise as one of the most destructive top-order players in the shortest format.
Abhishek reached the landmark in remarkably few innings, matching the pace set by Gayle during his prime years in global T20 leagues. Known for his fearless approach and clean striking, the 23-year-old has built his tally through a combination of high strike rates, powerplay dominance and consistency across domestic and franchise cricket.
Unlike many young batters who take time to adapt to the demands of T20 cricket, Abhishek has thrived as an opener, often taking the attack to bowlers from the very first over. His ability to clear the ropes with ease, especially against pace, has drawn frequent comparisons with Gayle, one of the most iconic power-hitters the game has seen.
A significant factor behind Abhishek’s rapid accumulation of runs has been his role clarity. Trusted as a front-line opener by his franchise, he has been encouraged to play freely, making full use of fielding restrictions. This has resulted in a steady flow of quickfire half-centuries and match-winning knocks.
Statistically, Abhishek’s journey to 5,000 runs stands out for its strike rate and boundary count, both of which mirror Gayle’s explosive numbers during his fastest run to the milestone. While Gayle relied heavily on brute power, Abhishek combines power with modern shot-making, including innovative strokes over the infield and deep mid-wicket.
Cricket analysts point out that Abhishek’s success is also rooted in his improved temperament. Once seen as a hit-or-miss batter, he has matured into a player capable of converting starts into substantial scores, a trait that has accelerated his run tally.
With age on his side and growing experience at the international level, Abhishek Sharma’s entry into an elite list featuring Chris Gayle highlights not just a statistical achievement, but the arrival of a new-age Indian T20 batter capable of redefining power-hitting in the years to come.