India opener Abhishek Sharma is emerging as a strong candidate to become the team’s new T20I vice-captain. The left-handed batter has strengthened his case with a series of impactful performances at the top of the order, and the team management and selectors are considering giving him a leadership role.
Team India recently completed a 3-0 T20I series win over Afghanistan in New Delhi. Sharma was named Player of the Series and Player of the Match in the third T20I. The Indian team will now shift its attention to the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, where they will begin their campaign directly in the quarterfinal stage.
Abhishek Sharma in Contention for T20I Vice-Captaincy
The vice-captaincy discussions come at a time of change within India’s selection committee. Ajit Agarkar is set to step down as chairman of the senior men’s selection committee, with the BCCI expected to appoint his successor.
According to News 24 Deputy Sports Editor Vaibhav Bhola, the current management and selectors are in favour of giving Abhishek Sharma a bigger leadership opportunity following his recent performances.
“Breaking News: New T20 Vice Captaincy Candidate. With Ajit Agarkar Shown Doors, Management & Selectors Are In Favour Of Giving Big Opportunity To Abhishek Sharma,” Vaibhav Bhola wrote on X.
There has been no official confirmation from the BCCI regarding the vice-captaincy. The leadership structure will be decided by the selection committee and team management ahead of India’s upcoming T20I assignments.
Abhishek Sharma Breaks T20I Century Record Against Afghanistan
Abhishek Sharma produced a record-breaking performance in the third T20I against Afghanistan in New Delhi. The left-hander, who smashed 108 off just 34 balls, reached his century in 30 deliveries to break former India captain Rohit Sharma’s record for the fastest T20I century by an Indian batter.
Abhishek also hit 11 sixes and nine fours during his explosive innings as India posted 221/7. Afghanistan were then bowled out for 94, and India completed a 127-run victory to seal the series 3-0.
The opener finished the three-match series with 209 runs. Abhishek also credited the team management for giving him the freedom to play his natural game. He stated that captain Shreyas Iyer and head coach Gautam Gambhir supported his aggressive approach.
India Prepare for Asian Games 2026 Quarterfinal
The Men in Blue will travel to Aichi-Nagoya for the Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket competition. The defending champions have directly qualified for the quarterfinals alongside Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
Afghanistan, Japan and Nepal are in Group A, while Hong Kong, Malaysia and Oman form Group B in the preliminary round. India will play the second quarterfinal on September 28 at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin against the second-placed team from Group A.
Pakistan will face the Group B runner-up in the quarterfinal, while Sri Lanka will meet the Group A winner. Bangladesh will take on the Group B winner in the other quarterfinal on September 29. The semifinals are scheduled for October 1, with the bronze-medal and gold-medal matches set for October 3.
