Abhishek Sharma on the brink of massive T20I record in South Africa T20I series

Indian batting star Abhishek Sharma is on the verge of achieving something remarkable in T20 international cricket this year. Abhishek Sharma has been in sublime form with the bat in 2025, and he would love to continue to dominate in the upcoming series against South Africa.

The young opener is currently gearing up for the five-match T20I series against South Africa, starting on December 9 in Cuttack. Following the Proteas series, the Men in Blue will also play another five-match T20I series against New Zealand before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

Abhishek Sharma eyes historic T20I milestone as India face South Africa

Well, Abhishek Sharma is on the cusp of etching his name into the record books in the upcoming T20I series against South Africa. With five matches still left to play in 2025, the left-handed batter has a real chance to finish as the highest run-scorer in T20I cricket for the year.

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At the moment, Zimbabwe’s Brian Bennett leads the charts with 936 runs in T20I cricket this year. However, Zimbabwe has no more scheduled matches this year, which means Bennett cannot add to it. This gives Abhishek and others a clear opportunity to climb to the top.

Abhishek Sharma could finish 2025 as leading T20I run scorer

Abhishek Sharma has already amassed 756 runs in 17 matches at an incredible strike rate of 196.36, proving how aggressive and effective he is in the shortest format of the game. The Punjab lad's tally includes one century and five half-centuries. Among players from full-member nations, Abhishek is currently the fourth leading run scorer in T20Is for the year.

Now, Abhishek needs just 181 more runs to surpass Bennett and claim the number one spot and finish the year 2025 as the leading run scorer in the T20Is. He is likely to reach this milestone in the home series against South Africa, given his form, and it will be a major achievement for him.

Barabati Stadium to host first-ever T20I on red-soil pitch

Meanwhile, Barabati Stadium in Cuttack is ready to host its first-ever T20I match on a red-soil pitch when India faces South Africa in the five-match T20I series opener on Tuesday. The new surface is expected to offer some bounce, a little grass, and batting-friendly conditions.

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Since this is a brand-new pitch, there is uncertainty about its nature among the players and teams. India has played two T20Is at the Barabati Stadium before this clash, both against South Africa, and lost both matches. The red-soil wicket gives India a chance to change their record in Cuttack and start the home series on a strong note against the Proteas side.

The first match in Cuttack will be crucial for India to understand how the new pitch plays. The red-soil surface adds extra excitement, while both batters and bowlers will have to adapt quickly if they want to make an impact in the T20I series opener on Tuesday.

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav is looking forward to the new conditions. With only 10 T20Is left before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, these matches are being used to test combinations, fine-tune the team balance, and decide player roles.