India opener Abhishek Sharma was unstoppable in the 2025 calendar year. In 20 T20Is, he scored 825 runs at a blazing strike rate of 195.03. He set the tone at the top of the order, helping India win the Asia Cup 2025, beating Pakistan in the final, as well as series against England and Australia, and now he is on the verge of winning the five-match T20I series against South Africa.

Even in the IPL and SMAT, Abhishek kept up his form, scoring 1567 runs in T20S so far this year. His dream run in 2025 could turn legendary if he scores at least 47 runs in the fifth T20I against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With this many runs, he could surpass Virat Kohli for the most T20 runs by an Indian batter in a calendar year.

Kohli currently holds the record with 1614 runs in 2016. He was phenomenal that year, scoring four centuries and averaging 89.66. Abhishek now has the perfect chance to beat Kohli and set a new record in Indian cricket. He has got good starts in the series against South Africa, but has not been able to convert them. The fifth T20I is his best opportunity to get back into form and make history.

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Most Runs by an Indian Batter in a Single Year in T20S

India Lead 2-1 in the Series

India currently has a 2-1 lead over South Africa in the five-match T20I series. The Suryakumar Yadav-led side won the first T20I, but the Proteas bounced back in Mullanpur. India returned to winning ways in Dharamsala, while the fourth T20I was called off due to heavy fog.

Ahead of the fifth T20I, the Indian team suffered a double blow as Axar Patel and Shubman Gill were ruled out of the series. Sanju Samson is expected to open the batting alongside Abhishek Sharma.