From Sharma to Varma: How India’s 2025 T20I Batting Charts Point to a Post-Rohit-Kohli Future

The 2025 Indian T20I season witnessed a dramatic reshuffle in India’s batting order, with young, dynamic players climbing the run-scoring charts and signalling a clear shift towards a new generation of match-winners. As the team gradually transitions away from stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the 2025 statistics reveal that Indian cricket may be entering an exciting era of batting strength and depth in the shortest format.

According to aggregated 2025 T20I performance data, India’s leading batsmen included Abhishek Sharma , Tilak Varma , Hardik Pandya, Shubman Gill, and Sanju Samson, among others. Sharma topped the charts with an impressive 859 runs across 21 matches, showcasing remarkable consistency and powerful scoring ability. Varma, the elegant left-hander, followed with 567 runs, establishing himself as a vital middle-order force for the team.

These numbers represent more than just individual achievements. They highlight a broader trend: India’s batting responsibilities are increasingly being shared by players outside the traditional core of Kohli and Rohit. Both veterans have historic legacies but are now gradually stepping back from T20 internationals to make way for fresh talent.

A standout performer in the 2025 season, Tilak Varma complemented Sharma’s dominance with mature, unbeaten innings that underscored his clutch capabilities. Varma’s batting average and strike rate demonstrated a rare combination of stability and aggression at just 22 years old. Beyond accumulating runs, he played match-defining knocks, including crucial contributions in the Asia Cup final, helping India secure key victories on big occasions.

Statistically, Varma has even eclipsed some of Kohli’s early T20I benchmarks, breaking records for runs scored without dismissal over a stretch of innings, a feat that highlights his temperament under pressure.

While Rohit and Kohli have incomparable records both near the top of India’s all-time T20 and overall run schemes their gradual phasing out from T20Is offers a chance for fresh talent to flourish. Even so, the legacy of these veterans continues to inspire: their professionalism and mental resilience remain standards for younger batsmen like Varma, Sharma and Gill.

Hardik Pandya’s contributions, both with powerful hitting and dynamic finishing, further emphasise the evolving style of Indian white-ball batting. Unlike purely classical techniques of the past, today’s game demands versatility, aggression, and adaptability traits abundant across India’s new batting lineup.

This transition has been carefully managed. India’s selectors have steadily bridged experience and youth, often rewarding consistent performance with confidence. The fact that Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma - neither household names a few years ago - now top the run charts exemplifies this forward-looking strategy.

Looking ahead to major ICC tournaments and the 2026 T20 World Cup, this blend of emerging talent and residual experience could serve India well. While Rohit and Kohli’s contributions will always be celebrated, the baton for India’s T20 batting prowess is now confidently being carried by a talented young cohort ready to make its mark on the global stage.