On the international front, it was a year to forget-the tour of Sri Lanka in particular was an opportunity Sharma failed to seize. The IPL was a different ball game altogether. Bought by the Mumbai Indians for mega bucks, the 25-year-old was the team's highest scoring batsman in IPL 5. The highlight of 2012 was his sensational 109* (off just 60 balls) that he carved against eventual champions Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens. Some will say-having played 86 ODIs for India already with a disappointing average of 30-that he has had his chance. But because he burst onto the scene so young, age is on his side.