Ahmedabad, Feb 18: India opener Abhishek Sharma has entered an unwanted statistical list after registering his fifth duck of 2026, placing him among the
openers with the most ducks in a single calendar year in T20 Internationals.
The latest dismissal came during India's Group A clash against the Netherlands at the T20 World Cup at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where the left-handed batter from Punjab was bowled for a three-ball duck by Netherlands off-spinner Aryan Dutt in the first over of the match. The wicket also marked his third consecutive duck in matches played during the ongoing tournament.
Five Ducks in 2026: An Unwanted Club
Abhishek's tally of five ducks in the 2026 calendar year now sees him tied among the highest for openers in a single year in T20Is. The list includes:
- 6 - Saim Ayub (Pakistan, 2025)
- 5 - Chaloemwong Chatphaisan (Thailand, 2024)
- 5 - Kushal Bhurtel (Nepal, 2024)
- 5 - Dharma Kesuma (Indonesia, 2025)
- 5 - Parvez Hossain Emon (Bangladesh, 2025)
- 5 - Abhishek Sharma (India, 2026)
For a player known for his fearless approach and high strike rate at the top of the order, the numbers underline a challenging stretch rather than a reflection of long-term form.
Tournament Context
In the current T20 World Cup campaign, Abhishek has been dismissed for ducks against USA, Pakistan and now the Netherlands. He missed the Namibia fixture due to illness, making the three ducks consecutive in matches played.
Despite his struggles, India have already qualified for the Super 8 stage, easing immediate pressure on team results. However, as the knockout phase approaches, India will hope their explosive opener rediscovers rhythm quickly.
Abhishek Sharma's Performance in 2026
In 2026 so far, Abhishek Sharma has featured in eight T20 innings for India, all in T20 Internationals, producing one of the most contrasting statistical profiles of the year. He has accumulated 182 runs with a highest score of 84, but significantly, five of those eight innings have ended in ducks - highlighting the high-risk nature of his approach at the top of the order.
His year began on a blazing note during the T20I series against New Zealand in January. In the opening match at Nagpur on January 21, he struck a match-high 84, setting the tone for India's dominance. Just two days later in Raipur, however, he fell for a first-ball duck.
The pattern of extremes continued in Guwahati on January 25, where he hammered 68 off just 20 balls in a breathtaking display of power-hitting. Yet again, in Visakhapatnam on January 28, he was dismissed for 0 off one delivery. He closed the bilateral series with a brisk 30 off 16 balls in Thiruvananthapuram, underlining his ability to shift gears quickly.
The inconsistency has extended into the showpiece event. Abhishek registered a golden duck against USA in Mumbai on February 7, fell for 0 off four balls against Pakistan in Colombo on February 15 after returning from illness, and was bowled for 0 off three deliveries by the Netherlands in Ahmedabad on February 18.
The numbers paint a vivid picture: eight innings, 182 runs, a highest score of 84, and five ducks. It is a season defined by explosive highs and abrupt lows - a reflection of an opener committed to aggressive intent.
As India move deeper into the tournament, the challenge for Abhishek Sharma will be converting his undeniable firepower into greater consistency while retaining the fearlessness that makes him such a dangerous T20 batter.
