Why Abhishek Sharma is Not Playing Today Match in Chhattisgarh vs Punjab Vijay Hazare Trophy?

The second round of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 is underway as Punjab are playing their second match of the tournament against Chhattisgarh at the Anantam Ground, Jaipur. However, the star power in this match is not as same as it was in the first match.

Their skipper for the first game, Abhishek Sharma, is not a part of this match, and the fans are asking what's the reason behind his absence. Abhishek, who is among the most dangerous batsmen in the world, is a key player in Punjab's line-up, and his absence can make a difference.

Why Abhishek Sharma is Not Playing Today Match?

Abhishek Sharma Vijay Hazare Trophy absence from the Chhattisgarh vs Punjab VHT match on Friday, December 26, raised a lot of questions. However, there are specific reasons behind why Abhishek is not playing, but it can be believed that the batter might have taken a rest to manage the workload.

Not just Abhishek, but Shubman Gill also missed this match. Abhishek Sharma is the No. 1-ranked T20I batter in the world currently and is also selected in India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place next year. He is likely to play a key role of India are to defend their title.

Abhishek Sharma's Rise in International Cricket

The Punjab-born cricketer is having a great time in his international career, sitting at the top of the men's T20I rankings. The left-handed batter has scored runs in almost every series he's taken part in. Abhishek Sharma also became the fastest Indian to score 1000 T20I runs in terms of balls faced. He'll be back in action in the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand in January, which will be followed by the much-awaited T20 World Cup in February 2026. Being one of the top T20 performers over the last few months, he will be key to India's chances in the tournament.

The young batter will then show up in the Indian Premier League, playing for the Sunrisers Hyderabad, opening the batting with Australian batter Travis Head. Over the last few months, Abhishek has lived up to the reputation of the best T20 batsman in the world. His presence will play a major role in India's campaign during the T20 World Cup as he's known to provide aggressive starts to the team.