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Abhishek Sharma for India - (Source : @Johns/X.com)
On Friday, October 3, India A locked horns against Australia A for the 2nd of the three-match unofficial ODIs at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur. The Men in Blue made several changes to their playing XI, and Abhishek Sharma replaced Priyansh Arya at the top.
Sharma, who had a brilliant Asia Cup 2025 for India, had big shoes to fill as Priyansh Arya sat out after scoring a century in the first ODI. However, Sharma failed to follow up his heroics in Dubai in the fifty-over format as the southpaw scored a golden duck.
Sharma couldn't capitalise on the opportunity presented to him and looked to drive a wide-off ball over covers off Jack Edwards' delivery, but found a thick outside-edge and was caught at the first slip.
Abhishek Sharma dents his selection for Australia ODIs
It is a big blow to Abhishek Sharma, who was earlier reported to be picked up for the upcoming ODI series against Australia. Notably, India will tour Australia for a multi-format series later this month, and the selectors are keen on picking Sharma for the ODIs as well.
However, with a golden duck in the second ODI, Sharma might have added a cloud of doubt in the selectors' minds, and he needs to perform in the third unofficial ODI to keep his chances alive.
Abhishek Sharma with an embarrassing start to youth ODIs
While Abhishek is the world's No. 1-ranked T20i batter, the 25-year-old is yet to make his ODI debut. Talking about his stats in Youth ODIs, the southpaw is quite disappointing.
In 15 innings, Abhishek Sharma has scored just 303 runs, averaging just 23.30. The southpaw has scored just a solitary fifty in his Youth ODI career and needs to make a strong statement in the upcoming match against Australia A.
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