Abhishek Sharma's ultra-aggressive approach has produced some spectacular returns in 2026, but it also brought another unwanted milestone on Tuesday as the India
opener became the first batter to register 10 ducks in a calendar year in T20 cricket.
Abhishek was dismissed for a golden duck against Japan in the one-off T20I at Sano, falling to the opening delivery he faced. It was his 10th duck across T20 cricket in 2026, moving him clear of the previous mark of nine set by Afghanistan's Rashid Khan in 2019 and Pakistan's Shadab Khan in 2024.
A year of extremes for Abhishek Sharma
The number is particularly striking given the heights Abhishek has reached during the same period.
His aggressive intent has produced headline-making innings, including a 30-ball century against Afghanistan, but the same approach has also left him vulnerable early in his innings.
Abhishek Sharma show in Japan 😭😭
- Mukku (@Cric_Mukku) September 22, 2026
- Look at the happiness of Japanese player after getting Abhishek 🔥 pic.twitter.com/eCZYrOA0ZE
Six of his 10 ducks in 2026 have been golden ducks, meaning he has been dismissed with the very first delivery he faced.
His list of ducks this year spans international, IPL and other T20 cricket, including three during the 2026 T20 World Cup against the USA, Pakistan and the Netherlands.
He also fell for a duck against New Zealand twice in January, before adding another golden duck against Ireland in June.
The latest came in Sano, where Japan struck immediately against an India side using the fixture as preparation for the Asian Games.
Abhishek Sharma leads most ducks in a T20 calendar year
| Ducks | Player | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Abhishek Sharma | 2026 |
| 9 | Rashid Khan | 2019 |
| 9 | Shadab Khan | 2024 |
For an opener whose game is built around attacking from the first ball, the contrast is stark: Abhishek has produced some of the most explosive batting of his career this year while simultaneously accumulating an unprecedented number of ducks.
The Japan dismissal adds another entry to that unusual statistical profile.
