It’s a strange situation—almost unbelievable to some.

Before the T20 World Cup began, Abhishek Sharma was ranked the No. 1 batter in the format. Even in the latest rankings released before India’s final group match against the Netherlands, he remained on top. His strike rate is equally eye-catching: 192.43 — the highest among T20 openers with at least 30 innings.

Yet in the ongoing tournament, the explosive left-hander has failed to score a single run in three matches.

He missed the match against Namibia due to illness. In games against the United States, Pakistan and the Netherlands, his scores read: 0 (1), 0 (4) and 0 (3).

Heading into the tournament, Abhishek was considered one of the biggest threats for bowlers. Some even imagined he could recreate feats like Yuvraj Singh’s iconic six sixes in an over and 12-ball fifty during the ICC T20 World Cup.

Instead, he has recorded a hat-trick of ducks. With India already through to the Super Eight, he may yet find runs. But his name has already entered an unwanted list — most ducks by an opener in a calendar year in T20 internationals.

The record currently belongs to Saim Ayub, who was dismissed for zero six times in 25 innings last year. Among Test-playing nations, the joint second-highest tally belongs to Abhishek and Parvez Hossain Emon.

Parvez recorded five ducks in 21 innings last year. Abhishek, meanwhile, has already been dismissed for zero five times in just eight innings this year — and with more than ten months remaining, he could surpass the record.

Among associate nations’ openers, five ducks in a year have also been recorded by Kushal Bhurtel, Chaloem Meng Chatphiasan and Dharma Kesuma.

Across all batting positions, the record for most ducks in a year is seven, jointly held by Japhet Bimenyimana, Orchide Tuyisenge and Saim Ayub.

There is also a record of four consecutive ducks in T20Is, achieved by four players. If Abhishek falls for zero again in India’s first Super Eight match, he could join that list.

Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar advised on Star Sports that Abhishek should take more time at the crease instead of forcing boundaries early. Even if a few dot balls occur, he can recover later — the key is a smarter start before playing his natural attacking shots.

Former England captain Nasser Hussain believes the issue is more mental than technical. Writing on the ICC website, he suggested that three consecutive ducks represent a sudden psychological drop for a batter who had been remarkably consistent.

Abhishek has now become only the second Indian after Ashish Nehra to register three ducks in a single T20 World Cup — and the first Indian batter to be dismissed for zero in three consecutive innings.