Abhishek Sharma is one of the rising stars in world cricket, and after a brilliant IPLm 2024, got his chance to play for India in T20Is. He smashed a century against Zimbabwe and continued to play with ultra-aggressive approach against other teams which led to some failures.
However, he came back strongly against England recently. and slammed a stunning hundred at the Wankhede. He is struggling IPL 2025 though and has failed in all the four matches he has played so far. Thus, he is under pressure and with many players fighting for a spot in the Indian T20I side, here are the three players who can replace Abhishek Sharma as opener if he fails to deliver in rest of the IPL 2025.
1. Yashasvi Jaiswal
Yashasvi Jaiswal has done brilliantly in the past in T20Is, and is known for his aggressive batting as well. He could not play T20Is after July 2024, because of the importance given to Test format, but with T20 World Cup 2026 in sights, he could make his comeback as opener if Abhishek Sharma continues to fail.
Yashasvi Jaiswal In T20Is For India
Criterion
Data
Innings
22
Runs
723
Average
36.15
Strike-Rate
164.31
Abhishek came into India's T20I side as a like-for-like replacement of Yashasvi Jaiswal after his exploits in IPL 2024. However, as shown in the table, Yashasvi Jaiswal has a good T20I record, and if he is available, he is a natural replacement of Abhishek Sharma.
Thus, if SRH batter continues to struggle in IPL 2025, it would be a straight swap for the Indians selectors as Jaiswal can also get going from onset in the Powerplay and can get destroy bowling attacks on his day.
2. Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill was also part of India's T20I setup in the past, and has even led the men in blue on the Zimbabwe tour. However, has not played the shortest format for India in recent times, but has been in decent form in IPL 2025 and if he goes onto pile runs consitently in IPL, he could be back in the T20I mix.
Shubman Gill in T20Is For India
Criterion
Data
Innings
21
Runs
578
Average
30.42
Strike-Rate
139.27
As shown in the table, Shubman Gill's record in T20Is is quite decent, and as he is already a vice-captain of the ODI side, he would be on the selection radar for the T20I side as well. Also, Gill brings stability to the table, which can prove handy, and his ability to mould his game according to the situation can go in his favour.
Ruturaj Gaikwad has also been around the the Indian cricket team selection for a long time now. As shown in the table below, he has an excellent T20I record and has a century for India in the shortest format as well. He also did well in T20Is when he last played in Zimbabwe, and though he is not opening in IPL, he is naturally an opener and brings consistency to the table.
Ruturaj Gaikwad In T20Is For India
Criterion
Data
Innings
20
Runs
633
Average
39.56
Strike-Rate
143.53
Also, Ruturaj Gaikwad has started IPL 2025 on a positive note, with two fifties in the three matches so far. He is also quite flexible with his batting order, and which might give him an edge in the selection. Also, he can keep wickets if needed, thus, Ruturaj Gaikwad can make his comeback in the Indian T20I side in place of Abhishek Sharma, if he continues to fail for SRH in IPL 2025.
Abhishek Sharma in IPL (Source: AP Photos)
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