Most Ducks in T20! Is It Finally Time for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi After Abhishek Sharma's Slump?

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Abhishek Sharma's struggle with the bat has reignited the debate over India's opening partnership with many wondering if 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should finally be given his first shot at the international level.

 

Abhishek's opening slump from the left-hand side lingered on in the second T20 International against Ireland when he was grilled out on the very first delivery to pacer Jai Moondra

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. It was another unwanted milestone in Abhishek's career in all T20 international cricket in 2026.

 

GCC cricket Then he joined Zafar Gohar in equalling the record for most ducks in a calendar year in T20 cricket. Rashid Khan his former teammate at Sunrisers Hyderabad had also scored nine ducks in 2019 while Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan matched the feat in 2024.

 

Abhishek has also created unwanted Indian record by hitting six ducks in T20 Internationals in a single calendar year the most by any Indian batsman.

 

Getting these poor numbers is all the more surprising since earlier this year Abhishek became the quickest Indian to reach 1000 T20I runs. The Ireland series saw him to that milestone in a mere 20 balls after he had scored a hefty 49 indicating that his skill set was still well and truly intact.

 

Abhishek's Tough Year Opens Fresh Debate

 

Abhishek had a dismal run with the bat since January when he bagged ducks in both of his Test appearances against New Zealand in Raipur.

 

More Aggravating Phase of Life was ICC T20 World Cup 2010. He got out without scoring in three consecutive group stage games before getting back to form against South Africa. But he ended the tournament on a cheerful note. He slammed 52 off 21 balls in the final against New Zealand to help India win their 2nd consecutive T20 WC titel.

 

The IPL also came down to earth with a thud. A couple of ducks in the IPL against Lucknow Super Giants and Rajasthan Royals then another bleak one, against Ireland, helped him end a disappointing series where India succumbed to the first ever 0-2 drubbing at home.

 

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