Abhishek Sharma Becomes ICC No. 1 T20 Batter, Rishabh Pant Climbs Test Rankings

India’s young batting sensation Abhishek Sharma has created history by rising to the No. 1 spot in the ICC T20I batting rankings, marking a new milestone for Indian cricket. In just a short span of his international career, the left-handed opener has captured the spotlight with his explosive batting performances. His blazing knock of 135 runs off 54 balls against England in the final T20I in Mumbai was the defining moment that propelled him to the top of the global rankings.

With this feat, Abhishek dethroned Australia’s Travis Head to become the top-ranked T20 batter in the world. He currently holds 829 rating points, securing his place at the summit. Abhishek also joins an elite group of Indian batters who have reached the top of the ICC T20I rankings Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav being the previous three.

Abhishek’s international journey began in July 2024 in Zimbabwe, and he made an immediate impact by scoring a century in just his second match. Known for his aggressive intent and ability to score quickly, he has emerged as a reliable force in India’s T20 opening lineup. His current strike rate of 193.84 is among the best in world cricket, making him one of the most dangerous T20 batters globally.

The rise to the top has been rapid. In February 2025, Abhishek jumped from 40th to 2nd place after his record-breaking performances, and now consistent form has carried him to No. 1. Cricket experts believe his fearless style and strong temperament will keep him among the world’s best for years to come.

Alongside Abhishek’s T20 triumph, there is more good news for Indian fans as Rishabh Pant has climbed to 7th place in the ICC Test batting rankings. His consistent run-scoring and match-winning knocks in recent series have strengthened India’s Test batting lineup.

At present, Indian cricket is experiencing a new era of batting dominance. On one hand, Abhishek Sharma’s explosive T20 performances have placed India at the forefront of limited-overs cricket, and on the other, Rishabh Pant’s rise in Test cricket shows that India’s batting strength is equally formidable in all formats.

Experts say this dual success is not just a personal achievement for the players but a reflection of India’s growing confidence in world cricket. With the rise of young talents like Abhishek and the consistency of Pant, the future of Indian batting looks brighter than ever.