India batter Abhishek Sharma has already faced and beaten many top players in world cricket early in his career. He has quickly reached the top of the ICC T20I rankings and holds a record rating. Still, he couldn’t believe what he saw from fast bowler Josh Hazlewood in the second T20I against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday.

Hazlewood bowled four overs with the new ball, taking three wickets and giving away only 13 runs at an economy rate of 3.2. His spell caused India to collapse to 49/5 in eight overs. If not for Abhishek’s brilliant 68 runs off 37 balls, India wouldn’t have come close to their final score of 125 all out.

The left-hander faced Hazlewood for only four balls and scored six runs, which included a lucky boundary past the wicketkeeper.

Also Read -[WATCH] Rishabh Pant celebrates 50 during India A vs South Africa A 1st unofficial Test

Abhishek Sharma Praises Hazlewood’s Bowling Masterclass

“I was watching him in the ODIs too, so we knew he would challenge us,” Abhishek said in the post-match press conference after Australia chased down the target with four wickets in hand. “But the way he bowled today even surprised me. I haven’t seen something like this in T20s. It was something new for me as a batter who always wants to attack. But he had a plan, and he executed it perfectly,” he added.

Enjoying the Challenge

When asked if he was relieved that Hazlewood would not play the remaining matches to prepare for the 2025–26 Ashes, Abhishek smiled and said, “Oh, is he? I didn’t know that. But yes, he is good enough to play all formats. Still, I was enjoying this challenge because as a batter, you have to face world-class bowlers, and that’s what I was trying to do,” he added.

Watch the now-viral reaction here:

Abhishek Sharma got absolute donuts out of Travis Head, but his reaction to finding out Josh Hazlewood wasn't playing the rest of this series was priceless 😂 #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/mMaz0fAnQN

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) October 31, 2025

Australia lead the series 1–0 after a washout in Canberra and a win in Melbourne. The third T20I will be played on Sunday in Hobart.

Team India has already reached Hobart to play the third T20I match of the ongoing 5-match T20I series against Australia (AUS vs IND 3rd T20I). During this time, Shubham Gill was spotted with Abhishek Sharma's parents. Gill's gesture towards his teammate's mother and father steals the hearts of the netizens. 

During the tour, Shubman Gill's bond with the young opener Abhishek Sharma was captured on camera again and again. These two cricketers shared some heartfelt moments on camera multiple times, depicting their close bonds with each other. In this video, we can see how the captain of Team India's Test and ODI setup hugged Sharma's mother and father, who are also in Australia. 

Abhishek Sharma has been in tremendous form since the beginning of the Asia Cup 2025. He carries the same intensity in the ongoing T20I series as well against the tough competitors. In the previous game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, when most of the Indian batting line-up struggled against the Josh Hazlewood-led Australian bowling attack, Sharma remained firm on the pitch and delivered a solid 68-run knock. 

Read More: 3 reasons why RCB should retain Romario Shepherd for IPL 2026

Shubman Gill's showed heartfelt gesture towards Abhishek Sharma's parents

The manner in which Shubman Gill greeted Abhishek Sharma’s mom and dad reflected his love and respect for them ❤️ pic.twitter.com/F3QCMeqltG

— GillTheWill (@GillTheWill77) November 1, 2025

He was looking as well during the initial stage of the first match of the competition. Though the match was abandoned due to continuous rain. 

The upcoming match in Hobart is very crucial for India. They will definitely try to win the match to level the scoreline. Indian cricket fans will have high hopes around the emerging opener during this match as well. Former international cricketers were also amazed to see the way Sharma tackled the bowlers in the previous match. To secure a win, Gill must find his scoring bat. As of now, his performance is not up to the mark. But on and off the field, Gill as a leader has stood to attract the cricket fans' eyes. 

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan questioned Abhishek Sharma’s intent and awareness during the second T20I against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday, October 31. Pathan acknowledged that Abhishek batted brilliantly during the powerplay but felt the youngster failed to maintain the same tempo once the field restrictions were lifted.

After Australian skipper Mitchell Marsh opted to bowl first, India had a rough start, losing four wickets inside the powerplay. Five of the top six batters were dismissed for single-digit scores. However, Abhishek stood firm, scoring freely and keeping India’s innings alive. Harshit Rana was promoted up the order and added a valuable 56-run stand with the left-hander. Despite this partnership, Abhishek hardly faced the strike, just 13 balls during their 47-ball partnership. India got bowled out for 125, in 18.4 overs, with Abhishek top scoring with 68 runs in 37 balls with eight fours and two sixes. Australia easily chased the target in 13.2 overs with a final score of four wickets.

Pathan praised Abhishek’s half-century but pointed out where he could have shown better game sense. “Abhishek Sharma once again showed that while everyone else seemed to be batting on one pitch, he was batting on another. It was a brilliant half-century, a superb innings, but if you look closely, you’ll notice it had two parts. During the powerplay, he batted beautifully, but after it ended, he should have continued with the same intent and awareness, which he didn’t,” Pathan said on his YouTube channel.

Pathan Urges Abhishek to Show Better Game Awareness

Pathan further explained that Abhishek needed to take charge during his partnership with Harshit Rana and ensure he faced more deliveries. “Harshit did his job. He ensured the team didn’t lose another wicket and managed a decent 35-run knock. As a lower-order batter, that’s all you can ask for. You can talk about strike rate later, but he did what was required. Now, what was Abhishek Sharma’s responsibility there? The powerplay went well, he played freely, and even when wickets fell around him, he stayed composed. But during that stand, most of the strike went to Harshit Rana, Abhishek faced only 14 balls out of 47. That’s where he needed to take charge. No doubt he’s India’s No. 1 T20 batter at the moment, but he must show better game awareness,” Pathan added.

See Also: 'I’m Fully Recovered' - Rishabh Pant shares major fitness update ahead of South Africa Test series

The former all-rounder’s comments highlight that while Abhishek’s form and confidence are impressive, maintaining intent beyond the powerplay will be key for India’s batting depth and success in upcoming matches.

The former Indian off-spin all-rounder, Ravichandran Ashwin, has praised the country’s left-handed aggressive opening batter, Abhishek Sharma, for his temperament during the second T20I of the five-match series against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). On his YouTube channel, Ashwin reflected on the southpaw’s natural flair. 

Abhishek Sharma has smashed 936 runs in 25 T20I innings at an average of 37.44 and a strike rate of 193.38 with the help of six fifties and two centuries at the best score of 135. In the first-class format, Sharma has clubbed 1071 runs in 37 innings with five fifties and one century.

See Also: BCCI issues massive injury update on Shreyas Iyer ahead of IND vs SA ODI series

“I truly believe, man, that the next batting superstar of India is Abhishek Sharma. See, he doesn’t have a problem exactly, not a problem, but a challenge. His challenge is to be able to control that downswing. I was reading somewhere that he still talks to Brian Lara because Lara had a huge backlit. His bat swing was magnificent too, so Abhishek spoke to Lara about controlling that bat swing to be able to play Test cricket.” Ashwin expressed on his YouTube channel.

Ravichandran Ashwin echoes voice for Abhishek Sharma’s Test selection in India 

In the MCG T20I against Australia, Abhishek slammed 68 runs in 37 balls at a strike rate of 183.78, smashing eight boundaries and two over boundaries. He was the biggest reason for the Blue Brigade to cross the 100-run mark despite losing five wickets inside the first eight overs.

“Even that day in Canberra, when the match was washed out, he was talking to Shubman Gill. From his gestures, it looked like he was talking about the bat swing and the pull shot. I even have a screenshot from the last game; he was a bit late on the pull shot then. But in this game, he made that correction. He found a way to get it over the top.” Ashwin addressed the video.

“He actually stepped out today, charged down the track, and Australia bowled really well too. They were bowling tight lines, fuller lengths, taking the pace off. But that full ball, especially when you charge at a fast bowler and they try to bowl a yorker, you don’t have the width to free your arms.” The former Tamil Nadu player concluded.

While the Indian batters were struggling at MCG, opener Abhishek Sharma maintained his furious batting as the visitors India's innings hung on in the second game of the five-match T20I series. 

Australian captain Mitchell Marsh sent the visitors to bat first, but most of the Indian batters completely struggled against the Aussie pacers. Josh Hazlewood provided a strong start as he took three wickets of the first four Indian wickets, as India scored 40/4 at the end of the powerplay.

[WATCH] Harshit Rana smashes splendid 6 during AUS vs IND 2nd T20I at MCG

Abhishek Sharma recorded a 23-ball 50, stretched to 68 off 37 balls

India lost their fifth wicket in the eighth over as Axar Patel was run out. While Harshit Rana was promoted in the batting order, Abhishek Sharma got some useful help from him. Despite the falling regular wickets from the other end, it couldn't disrupt Abhishek's familiar strong aggressive batting performance. 

Opener Abhishek recorded his sixth T20I half-century as he completed it in just 23 balls, which was incredible, while the other Indian batters completely failed on the MCG pitch. It was Abhishek's first T20I fifty against Australia. 

Abhishek and Harshit Rana had a 56-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Rana scored 35 off 33 balls with three fours and one six, but after his dismissal, Abhishek didn't get any support from the other end. Despite massive pressure, Abhishek scored 68 off 37 balls with eight fours and two sixes, as he was ultimately dismissed by Nathan Ellis in the 19th over. Only Abhishek and Rana managed to reach double-digit scores in the innings, as India were bowled out for only 125 runs in 18.4 overs. 

Josh Hazlewood set the tone

Among the Australian bowlers, Josh Hazlewood was the best with the bowling figures of 4-0-13-3. Also, Xavier Bartlett (2/39) and Nathan Ellis (2/21) got two wickets each, while Marcus Stoinis had one wicket (1/24).

The second T20I between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) didn’t start as the visitors expected it to be, as they lost half of their side inside the first 10 overs after being put into bat first by Mitchell Marsh, the Australian captain, who won the toss and had no hesitation in bowling first. The management decided to bring Matthew Short into the eleven. 

Even from the opening over, it was addressed that Shubman Gill was struggling against Josh Hazlewood, who sent back the Punjab batter along with two more wickets of Tilak Verma and Suryakumar Yadav. But it became worse when their left-handed middle order batter, Axar Patel, got dismissed for two runs via a run-out.

See Also: "I will sing..."- Sunil Gavaskar makes memorable promise to Jemimah Rodrigues if India wins Women's World Cup 2025

On the third ball of the eighth over, Axar clubbed the ball and comfortably took the first couple of runs. But while returning for his third run, he slipped while standing halfway down the 22-yard. He was initially slow to start running and didn’t have enough time to complete the third run. It was enough for Josh Iglis to break the stumps and send the batter back.

Watch: Axar Patel dismissed for 7 via run-out during AUS vs IND 2nd T20I in Melbourne

On the fifth over of the innings, Hazlewood broke the back of the Indian side with the twin wickets of Sky and Tilak Varma. The former was totally squared up against the unplayable short ball before the wicket-keeper grabbed a fine catch. Two balls later, he sent back India’s Asia Cup 2025 hero for a two-ball duck.

"A real mix-up!" 😯

Wickets continue to fall as Axar Patel departs...

📺 Watch #AUSvIND on ch. 501 or stream via @kayosports: https://t.co/sOOmnqnKOT
✍️BLOG https://t.co/DOsxnlHXCX
🔢MATCH CENTRE https://t.co/uVc3yA8tW5 pic.twitter.com/Me7aQl9rqM

— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) October 31, 2025

Harshit Rana was promoted to number seven in the batting line-up and did a great job to put a good stand of over 40 runs for the sixth wicket with Abhishek, who celebrated his fifty in 23 balls, thanks to seven boundaries and one six at a strike rate over 200.

India reached 92/5 in their 13 overs. It had been a typical performance from the Blue Brigade. However, it would help them for future T20Is to get the right planning in these circumstances.

After a rain-hit opening T20I of the five-match series between Australia and India at the Manuka Oval in Canberra, where less than 10 overs were possible before the umpires called off the clash, the focus shifted to the second fixture between the two sides at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). It had been a vital series for both sides, keeping the T20 World Cup 2026 in mind. 

The coin continues to fall in favor of the home captain, Mitchell Marsh, who had no hesitation in bowling first on a surface that looked better for batting. The decision didn’t make Suryakumar Yadav fussed much as they went with an unchanged eleven while the hosts brought Matthew Short back into the eleven.

See Also: Major update on Hardik Pandya’s return to competitive cricket from injury

Shubman Gill’s early issues in the opening over against Josh Hazlewood put them under immense pressure before Abhishek Sharma frees his arms in the second over against Xavier Bartlett from the other end. On the last ball of the second over, the southpaw danced down the track and swung his willow to get a six through a lofted cover-drive.

Watch: Abhishek Sharma smashes Xavier Bartlett for 6 during AUS vs IND MCG T20I

This shot came two balls after Abhishek ran down the track and forced the bowler to bowl a full toss, which he timed perfectly over the deep cover. After that, India lost both Shubman Gill and Sanju Samson. The former couldn’t cross the fielder in the 30-yard ring while Samson was adjudged leg before the stumps for two runs.

A stunning six from Abhishek Sharma to get the MCG crowd fired up 😱 #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/azTBA0Lsle

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) October 31, 2025

Abhishek, on the last two balls of the fourth over, collected two boundaries against Nathan Ellis. On the penultimate ball of the fourth over, the left-handed batter used the bounce of the ball and timed it over the wicket-keeper’s head for a four before collecting another boundary over the cover region.

It was still a great start inside the power play for the Indian side, who lost three wickets, including their captain, Suryakumar Yadav, for one run. They found themselves crawling at 32/3 in the fifth over of the innings. Abhishek was in a different mood with unbeaten 24 runs in nine balls at a strike rate of 266.67.

Team India is now preparing for the 2nd T20I for the ongoing series against Australia (AUS vs IND 2nd T20I). Ahead of the match, a video on social media gained attention from the cricket fans on the internet. Through the video, viewers can see how Shubman Gill is laughing after seeing a colorful bag of Abhishek Sharma. 

After the conclusion of the 3-match ODI series, Australia and India are preparing for a high-voltage T20I series. The first T20I match of the competition was called off due to rain. Now, all the focus is on the next match, which is scheduled to take place tomorrow (October 31) at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. 

Ahead of the important match, the video has gone viral on the internet. In the caption of the video it is stated, "Shubman Gill and Arshdeep Singh making fun of Abhishek Sharma's bag." Though Gill was in the center of the focus, while Singh perhaps was behind the camera. 

Read More: Rishabh Pant spotted wearing new jersey number as India A captain during the 1st Test against South Africa A

A funny video ahead of Australia vs India 2nd T20I

Shubman Gill and Arshdeep Singh making fun of Abhishek Sharma's bag 🛍️😂 pic.twitter.com/mUbH5SEetL

— Shubman 🤍 (@_77Foreverr_) October 30, 2025

In the video we can hear they are describing the bag as a 'limited edition bag.' The bag of Abhishek was very colorful—a lot of pink, white, and red stars on a green cover. We barely can see an adult carrying a bag with this design. But, apart from the joking part, the bag was beautiful and definitely eye-catching. And another thing is the bond between the players. From the video it is clear that they are sharing a strong bond with each other. 

Abhishek was one of the main protagonists behind Team India's Asia Cup 2025 triumph. Abhishek Sharma has so far scored 849 runs in 23 innings across 24 matches, averaging 36.91. If he participates in the remaining 4 matches of the series, the young opener can comfortably cross the 1000-run mark in the format. 

An emerging Pakistan pacer directly challenges India batter Abhishek Sharma through a video. The pacer claimed that Sharma will not survive even an over against him. 

Team India's T20I opener Abhishek Sharma was in full flow during the recently concluded Asia Cup 2025. India defended their title successfully by beating Pakistan in the final match of the tournament. Before the final, India defeated Pakistan twice, during the group stage and during the Super Four encounter. Abhishek Sharma, throughout the tournament, was in phenomenal form. 

The young India batter was named the best player of the tournament as well for his brilliant performances. The left-hander smashed 314 runs in seven T20 matches, including 3 fifties. In those three matches against Pakistan, Sharma registered 31 (Group Stage), 74 (Super Four), and 5 runs (Final Match), respectively. 

Read More: WATCH: Rashid Khan's outstanding catch near boundary line during AFG vs BAN 1st ODI

Pakistan pacer issues threat to Abhishek Sharma: 

Pakistan fast bowler Ihsanullah claimed through a video message that he observed how Abhishek batted in the Asia Cup. The bowler was confident that he will easily be able to clinch the wicket of the India batter. Taking a step further, Ihsanullah said that he will take Sharma's wicket in 3 balls; the batsman will not be able to survive even for an over against him. 

Age Fraud Ihsanullah challenging Abhishek Sharma 😆

Ihsanullah says - “Abhishek won't survive an over against me, I’ll get him out within 3 balls”

- What's your take 😁 pic.twitter.com/JjOegzxCC7

— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) October 8, 2025

Who is Ihsanullah? Ihsanullah is a Pakistani cricketer who bowls right-arm fast. He played for Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The 6 ft 5 inch pacer has so far played 1 ODI and 4 T20Is for the Pakistan cricket team. He last played for Pakistan in April 2023 against New Zealand. During his brief international cricket career with the Pakistan cricket team, he did not get any notable success so far and has been out of the team for about a couple of years. 

The September month was full of the shortest formats around the globe. Zimbabwe hosted Sri Lanka in the ODI and T20I series before the start of the T20 Asia Cup 2025 in the United Arab Emirates. India, under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, went through a successful and unbeaten campaign to lift the title by beating Pakistan in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

India’s opening batter, Abhishek Sharma, has continued to go through a breakout year with explosive run as he was named the Player of the Tournament. The southpaw creamed 314 runs in seven T20I innings at a strike rate of 200 with the help of three half-centuries. His aggressive play at the top of the order helped them dominate throughout the event.

See Also: Vaibhav Suryavanshi to be fast-tracked like Sachin Tendulkar? Rajasthan Royals' Director makes special request

Abhishek also reached the highest batting rating ever recorded in men’s T20I history with 931 points. He continued to go through the rapid rise on the international stage. The Punjab-born will look to hold the same form and rhythm against Australia in the T20I series down under.

Abhishek Sharma and Kuldeep Yadav nominated for ICC Men’s Player of September awards

The left-arm wrist spinner of the Blue Brigade, Kuldeep Yadav, has produced a dream run with the ball as it emerged as the leading wicket-taker at the T20 Asia Cup 2025 with 17 wickets at an economy rate of just over six. He began the competition with stunning figures of 4/7 against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and finished with another four-fer against Pakistan.

Kuldeep picked up at least one wicket in all of India’s games as his ability to strike in the middle overs played a crucial role in their success. The third and last player of the list is Zimbabwe’s Brian Bennett. He was in exceptional touch in September to nail 497 runs at a strike rate of 165.66 with an average of 55.22.

After topping the charts against Sri Lanka and Namibia, Brian carried the same form into the Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional final where he clubbed 72, 65, and 111 in the first three innings. Zimbabwe has also secured spot for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.