Hyderabad: Abhishek Sharma faced intense backlash from fans after another disappointing outing in IPL 2026, with many urging selectors to replace him in India’s T20I setup with teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
The Sunrisers Hyderabad opener was dismissed for a golden duck during their clash against Rajasthan Royals at the Uppal Stadium on April 13, continuing a worrying trend in his T20 performances.
Another failure adds to poor run
Abhishek’s intent to attack from the very first ball once again proved costly. Facing Jofra Archer, he attempted an aggressive shot off a short delivery but managed only an outside edge, which was safely taken by Ravi Bishnoi at third man.
The dismissal marked his seventh duck in T20 cricket in 2026, the most by an Indian in a single calendar year—an unwanted record.
Most ducks in a calendar year (T20s by Indians)
- 7 – Abhishek Sharma (2026)
- 6 – Rohit Sharma (2018)
- 6 – Sanju Samson (2024)
- 5 – Gurkeerat Singh Mann (2013)
His struggles aren’t limited to the IPL, having also recorded three ducks during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Social media erupts with criticism
Following the latest failure, fans took to social media platforms to criticise Abhishek’s approach, particularly his tendency to attack every delivery without settling in.
Many pointed out that while aggressive intent is valuable in T20 cricket, a lack of adaptability has led to repeated early dismissals.
The criticism quickly turned into calls for change, with several fans urging team management to look beyond Abhishek for the national T20I squad.
Sooryavanshi’s rise fuels debate
The demand for change has been amplified by the extraordinary form of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Representing Rajasthan Royals, the 15-year-old has been one of the standout performers of IPL 2026 and is currently among the leading run-scorers in the tournament.
Sooryavanshi has amassed 200 runs in just four matches at an astonishing strike rate of 266.66 and an average of 50, including two half-centuries.
His fearless batting has seen him take on world-class bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Josh Hazlewood with remarkable ease, playing a key role in Rajasthan’s unbeaten run so far.
Selection dilemma for India
Abhishek, despite his recent struggles, has managed 129 runs in five matches this season, including one fifty. However, inconsistency remains a major concern.
On the other hand, Sooryavanshi’s explosive performances and composure under pressure have strengthened his case for a national call-up, especially in the T20 format.
With India looking to build a strong and dynamic T20I squad, selectors may face a tough decision between backing experience and rewarding current form.
Conclusion
While fan reactions often reflect immediate emotions, the debate highlights a broader selection question for Indian cricket. Abhishek Sharma’s aggressive style has brought success in the past but is currently under scrutiny, whereas Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s meteoric rise presents an exciting alternative.
As the IPL progresses, performances in the coming matches could play a crucial role in determining who gets the nod for India’s future T20I plans.
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