New Delhi, September 18 (Daily Kiran) : Abhishek Sharma made headlines on September 18, 2026, by breaking Rohit Sharma’s record for the fastest T20 century. He achieved this remarkable feat in just 30 balls during the third T20 International against Afghanistan at Arun Jaitley Stadium. This performance makes him the fastest century scorer in T20 cricket among full member nations and for India.
Reflecting on his achievement, Abhishek expressed that reaching this milestone at such a prestigious venue is significant. He credited the fearless environment of the team for inspiring his aggressive play. In an explosive innings, he scored 108 runs off just 34 balls, helping India post a total of 221 runs while losing seven wickets. In response, Afghanistan was bowled out for a mere 94 runs.
In a video shared on ‘BCCI TV’, Abhishek remarked, “This is not just a personal achievement; it’s a significant moment for all Indians. I remember watching Rohit play T20 cricket and enjoying every moment. Breaking that record is one of my greatest accomplishments.”
He also acknowledged the strong support from head coach Gautam Gambhir and T20 captain Shreyas Iyer. Abhishek noted that setbacks, such as losses to Ireland and England, did not deter the aggressive strategy developed over the past two years. “I mentioned earlier, when I received the ‘Man of the Match’ award, that our dominance leading up to the World Cup was consistent. A couple of series after the World Cup won’t define our batting style,” he stated.
As a left-handed batsman, Abhishek emphasized the team’s responsibility to create an environment that encourages open and fearless play. He highlighted the pivotal role of the coach and captain in providing players with the freedom and confidence to express themselves.
Abhishek recalled Gambhir’s clear directive to maintain an aggressive mindset from the start and to inspire the team by speaking Punjabi during meetings. “I remember discussing how to regain our dominance, emphasizing the need for fearlessness and a team-first mentality. When I started, Surya was always encouraging me to capitalize on powerplay opportunities, as T20 largely hinges on those early overs,” he explained. Gambhir wanted a dressing room atmosphere where players could take risks and showcase their skills without hesitation.
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