Why Abhishek Sharma is Not Playing Today Match in Punjab vs Sikkim VHT 2025-26?

The fifth round of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 has started on January 3. With teams battling to reach the knockout stages, there are many players who have given their best throughout the tournament.

In the ongoing match between Punjab and Sikkim Vijay Hazare Trophy, star batter Abhishek Sharma is not playing in the match. Moreover, Shubman Gill is also not available for the match.

Why Abhishek Sharma is Not Playing Today Match?

In the Punjab vs Sikkim VHT match, star opener Abhishek Sharma is not playing and the fans are curious to know about his absence. However, there are no reasons mentioned as to why Abhishek has missed today's game. Since the T20 series against New Zealand is coming up and he has been playing the Vijay Hazare Trophy from the start, he might have taken a rest for this particular game.

As per reports, the BCCI had confirmed that he would play at least two matches in the VHT, which he has already done. Now, due to workload management, he might be rested in the ongoing clash. Abhishek Sharma Vijay Hazare Trophy performances have been incredible. He scored 30 off 26 balls, including five boundaries and one six against Uttarakhand in his last match.

Even in the last South Africa series, he performed really well in the T20Is. Abhishek has been an asset to the Indian team for his attacking and fearless game play. He has bashed some of the best bowlers in the world at a young age. He is likely to play a key role for India in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. He is most likely to open with Sanju Samson in the marquee event since Shubman Gill is dropped from the squad.

Abhishek Sharma's Performance in 2025

The 25-year-old Abhishek Sharma has played some quality cricket in 2025. Starting from the IPL, to international cricket, he has showed some extraordinary batting skills, impressing everyone. In T20s, he scored 859 runs in 21 innings at 42.95 with a staggering 193.46 strike rate, hitting 100s and 50s, and recording India's highest T20I score of 135 vs England.

He was then named ICC Player of the Month for September 2025 for his sensational performances in the Asia Cup. He finished the tournament with 314 runs at a strike rate of more than 200.

If we look at his IPL performance, he scored 439 runs in 14 matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) with a century (141), showcasing why he is among the most dangerous batsmen in the world. Overall, this has been an incredible year for the young batter.

Hence, the selectors will have a lot of expectations from him in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Since the tournament is in India, there will be high expectations from the left-handed batter to win matches for India.