T20 cricket is often considered a challenging format for batters. Unlike in Tests and ODIs, where players have the luxury of time to settle in, T20 requires batters to play aggressive and risky shots right from the first over.
The difficulty intensifies in India, where each ground presents unique conditions. Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai and M Chinnaswamy in Bengaluru are renowned for being batting-friendly, offering excellent conditions for big scores. In contrast, MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai and Ekana Stadium in Lucknow pose a tough challenge for batters due to their spin-friendly pitches.
5. Hardik Pandya – 1803 Runs
Hardik Pandya has become one of the most destructive batsmen in T20I cricket, accumulating 1803 runs at an average of 28 and a strike rate of 148 across 89 innings. A key member of India’s 2024 T20 World Cup-winning team, Pandya contributed both with the bat and the ball. His highest T20I score of 71* came against Australia in Mohali in 2022, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
4. KL Rahul – 2265 Runs
KL Rahul, the stylish Indian opener, has scored 2265 runs in 68 innings, including two centuries and 22 fifties. His iconic unbeaten 110 against the West Indies at Lauderhill in 2016 remains one of his most memorable knocks. Rahul was part of the Indian squads in the 2021 and 2022 T20 World Cups, but following India’s semi-final exit in 2022, he was dropped from the T20I setup.
3. Suryakumar Yadav – 2596 Runs
Suryakumar Yadav, renowned for his 360-degree batting, has racked up 2596 runs in 78 T20I innings at an average of 39 and a strike rate of 167. With four centuries and 21 fifties to his name, Surya is regarded as one of the most innovative players in the format. He is currently the captain of India’s T20I team.
2. Virat Kohli – 4188 Runs
Virat Kohli, known for his consistency and aggressive batting, scored 4188 runs in 117 T20I innings at an average of 48.69 and a strike rate of 137. He concluded his T20I career in 2024, with his only T20I century of 122* coming against Afghanistan in the 2022 Asia Cup. Kohli holds the record for the most T20I fifties for India, with 38 to his name.
1. Rohit Sharma – 4231 Runs
Rohit Sharma is India’s leading run-scorer in T20I cricket, with a total of 4231 runs in 151 innings at an average of 32.05. His career features five centuries and 32 half-centuries, including his highest score of 121* against Afghanistan in Bengaluru in 2024. Rohit retired from T20I cricket after leading India to victory in the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.