Fifth Duck Blow: Abhishek Sharma Matches Unwanted 2026 Record
India opener and world No.1 T20I batter Abhishek Sharma endured another difficult outing after being dismissed for a duck against the Netherlands in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The dismissal saw Sharma equal an unwanted record previously held by Sanju Samson for the most ducks by an Indian batter in a single calendar year.
Unwanted Record for Abhishek Sharma
India opener and world No.1 T20I batter Abhishek endured another disappointing outing after being dismissed for a duck against the Netherlands in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The dismissal saw Sharma equal an unwanted record for the most ducks by an Indian batter in a single calendar year. His tally of five ducks in 2026 matches the mark set by Sanju Samson in 2024. Considering that the year has only just begun and India have a packed T20I schedule ahead, Sharma could surpass this record unless he quickly rediscovers his rhythm at the top of the order.
Dismissal Against Netherlands
In the group-stage encounter against the Netherlands, Abhishek Sharma endured another short stay at the crease. Looking to assert himself early in the powerplay, the left-hander attempted an aggressive stroke but was bowled, extending his difficult run in the tournament.
The early wicket once again placed added responsibility on India’s middle order to rebuild the innings and regain stability. For a batter celebrated for his fearless approach in the powerplay, the sequence of dismissals highlights the delicate balance between attacking intent and shot selection, especially in high-pressure ICC tournament matches where early breakthroughs can significantly shift momentum.
Most T20I Ducks by an Indian in a Calendar Year
Sharma’s fifth duck of the year places him alongside several notable Indian players who have experienced similar lean phases in T20I cricket.
| Player | Year | Ducks | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abhishek Sharma | 2026 | 5 | 8 |
| Sanju Samson | 2024 | 5 | 13 |
| Yusuf Pathan | 2009 | 3 | 10 |
| Rohit Sharma | 2018 | 3 | 19 |
| Rohit Sharma | 2022 | 3 | 29 |
| Virat Kohli | 2024 | 3 | 10 |
Insight:
The statistic highlights that even elite players encounter difficult patches in T20 cricket, where the aggressive nature of the format often leads to fluctuating performances and occasional streaks of low scores.
Tough Start to 2026
Despite entering the year as the world No.1 T20I batter, Abhishek Sharma has endured an unexpectedly difficult phase. His aggressive approach, usually a strength in the powerplay, has resulted in a string of early dismissals, leading to five ducks in 2026 so far.
| Match | Venue / Tournament | Score |
|---|---|---|
| vs New Zealand | Raipur (Jan 23) | 0 (1) |
| vs New Zealand | Visakhapatnam (Jan 28) | 0 (1) |
| vs United States | T20 World Cup (Feb 7) | Golden duck |
| vs Pakistan | T20 World Cup (Feb 15) | 0 (4) |
| vs Netherlands | T20 World Cup (Feb 18) | 0 (3) |
The latest dismissal against the Netherlands came when Sharma attempted an attacking stroke but was bowled, extending his lean run and highlighting a rare slump during an otherwise strong phase in India’s campaign.
What This Means for India and Sharma
While the unwanted record highlights a rare slump, Sharma’s track record suggests the downturn may be temporary. His aggressive approach remains central to India’s powerplay strategy, and the team management is likely to back him to regain confidence. Lean patches are common even among elite players, and Sharma’s previous performances indicate he possesses the ability to bounce back quickly. As the tournament progresses and India approach the knockout stages, the team will hope their top-ranked batter rediscovers form, turning this difficult phase into motivation for a strong comeback.
Written By The Cricket Show
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