Abhishek Sharma vs Ishan Kishan - comparing their stats in T20Is after India's squad announcement for 2026 T20 World Cup

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a 15-member squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup on Saturday, December 20. The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee picked wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan over Jitesh Sharma for the ICC event. The decision also forced vice-captain Shubman Gill’s exit from the T20I team, with Rinku Singh returning to the main squad after missing out on the recently concluded five-match T20I series against South Africa.

Kishan made a comeback following his red-hot form in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT). The 27-year-old led by example, scoring 517 runs in 10 matches, comprising two tons and as many half-centuries, to become the highest run-scorer in the T20 tournament. He slammed 101 in the final against Haryana to help Jharkhand lift their maiden SMAT title.

Kishan has a wealth of experience in international cricket, having represented India in 32 T20Is, 27 ODIs, and two Tests. Notably, the wicketkeeper-batter holds the record for the fastest double century in ODIs. He, however, hasn’t played for the Men in Blue across all three formats since 2023.

On the other hand, the World No. 1-ranked T20I batter Abhishek Sharma has gone from strength to strength for India since his debut in 2024. He is currently rated amongst the most dangerous players in the format.

In this article, we’ll compare Kishan’s records with Abhishek after 32 games for India.

Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan (right) captured while batting together for SRH in IPL 2025. Source: Getty

Most Runs

Ishan Kishan made a scintillating debut for Team India, scoring 56 off 32 balls against England in 2021. The 27-year-old has amassed 796 runs in 32 matches in his T20I career.

On the other hand, Abhishek Sharma departed for a duck on his debut against Zimbabwe in 2024. He, however, slammed his maiden ton in his second outing. The 25-year-old scored 1,081 runs after 32 T20Is.

Averages and Strike rates

Ishan Kishan has an average and strike rate of 25.67 and 124.37, respectively, in his T20I career.

On the contrary, Abhishek Sharma had a better average of 36.03 in his first 32 T20Is. In those games, the swashbuckling batter played at a stunning strike rate of 188.98.

Most 50s

Ishan Kishan has slammed six half-centuries in T20Is. The opening batter slammed his career-best against Sri Lanka, smashing 89 off 56 deliveries in 2022.

Meanwhile, Abhishek Sharma slammed two centuries in addition to his six fifties after 32 T20Is. After his 100 against Zimbabwe, he hit 135 off 54 balls against England in 2025.

Runs in a winning cause

Ishan Kishan won 21 out of his 32 T20Is with the Men in Blue. In these games, he amassed 614 runs in 21 innings at a strike rate of 125.56 and an average of 30.70.

Abhishek Sharma won more games than Ishan Kishan in his first 32 T20Is for Team India. In 24 matches, he batted on 23 occasions, scoring 865 runs at a strike rate of 193.94, averaging 37.60.

As a result, Abhishek has a better record against Kishan in T20Is.

Meanwhile, in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Ishan Kishan amassed 2998 runs in 119 matches (112 innings) at a strike rate of 137.64, including one ton and 17 fifties. On the other hand, Abhishek Sharma has scored 1816 runs in 77 games (74 innings) at a tremendous strike rate of 163.01, comprising one ton and nine half-centuries.

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Edited by James Kuanal