Always dreamt about it: Abhishek Sharma wants to lift T20 World Cup for India amid stellar run

Team India opener Abhishek Sharma opened up on his dream of winning the T20 World Cup for India after bagging the Player of the Series award in the T20I series against Australia. India clinched the five-match T20I series 2-1 after the fifth T20I was washed out due to rain at The Gabba in Brisbane on Saturday, November 08.

Abhishek continued his stellar run with the bat in the series to finish as the highest run-getter. The swashbuckling left-hander notched up 163 runs in five innings at an average of over 40 and an impressive strike rate of 161.39 to play a key role in India's series victory. Abhishek, who is known for his big hitting prowess, continued his destructive run Down Under, taking the Aussie bowlers to the cleaners.

Only three full matches were possible in the series after two games were washed out due to rain. While several other Indian batters struggled against the Aussie pacers in difficult conditions Down Under, Abhishek showcased why he is one of the best T20 batters in the world at present.

"I’ve been waiting for this tournament. When I got to know we’re going to Australia for T20Is, I was very excited. Have seen throughout my career that Australia is very batting-friendly. Feel that we could’ve got better totals in between,” said the swashbuckling left-hander after India clinched the series 2-1.

Amid his phenomenal run in T20Is, Abhishek has nailed the opening spot in India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2025. The left-hander said it will be a dream-come-true moment for him if he manages to make the cut in the squad, as he has always dreamt about lifting the elusive trophy.

"It’s one of the biggest tournaments. It’s my dream come true moment if I’ll be playing the World Cup. As a kid I’ve always dreamt about this – winning the World Cup. Will make sure I’m ready for that tournament," said Abhishek.

Abhishek has been one of India's most consistent and impactful batters in T20Is over the last few months. Since his debut in July last year, he has 1012 runs in 29 matches in T20Is at an average of over 37 and a stunning strike rate of 189.51, including six fifties and two centuries. He will be looking to continue his stellar run when India lock horns with South Africa in a five-match T20I series in December.

Abhishek also set a new record on Saturday as he became the fastest batter to complete 1,000 runs in T20Is. The Indian opener completed the 1000-run milestone after reaching 11 runs off 7 balls in the 5th T20I against Australia at The Gabba. He has achieved the feat in 29 innings, the fastest by any batter in the format.