The inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup took place in 2007. It has been 15 years since then and there have been a total of seven marquee tournaments that have taken place in the shortest format of the game. India went on to the first-ever T20 World Cup and has played some superb cricket in other editions as well.

The global tournament has seen many players rising to the occasion and putting match-winning performances for the Men in Blue. However, certain acts were simply exceptional and hold a special place in the heart of the fans.

Also Read: Player of the tournament winners in T20 World Cup History

However, let us look at the top five performances by Indian players in the history of the T20 World Cup.

#5. RP Singh | 4-13 vs South Africa | 2007

India had to defeat South Africa to book a spot in the Semi-Final. MS Dhoni & Co batted first and put up a fighting total of 153 runs on the board. The Proteas were still unbeaten in the tournament and it was a task for the Men in Blue to stop them. 

However, RP Singh had other plans, as the left-arm pacer gave India an ideal with the ball as he got rid of the dangerous Herschelle Gibbs and South African skipper Graeme Smith in the second over. Then he uprooted the stumps of Shaun Pollock in the sixth over to leave South Africa reeling at 31 for 5.

To cap things off in style, RP Singh clean-bowled Albie Morkel in the last over of his spell and ended with stellar figures of 4-0-13-4. South Africa could only manage 116 runs in the 20 overs and India entered into the Semi-Final of the World Cup.

Read Also: Most Wickets in T20 World Cup history

#4. Suresh Raina | 101 runs vs South Africa | 2010

India were battling it out with South Africa in a group-stage game at the T20 World Cup 2010. After putting being put to bat, Men in Blue lost Murli Vijay in the first over and his opening partner Dinesh Karthik in the sixth over. MS Dhoni & Co. were just 32 at the stroke of the second wicket and needed a partnership to be in the game.

But what followed was something remarkable as Suresh Raina put up a show with the bat. He registered a phenomenal century against a potent Proteas bowling attack. The southpaw smashed 101 runs off just 60 deliveries consisting of nine fours and five sixes. 

With the majestic century, the southpaw became the first Indian player to score a century at the T20 World Cup and is still the only Indian to achieve the feat. The Men in Blue rode on his century and reached an above-par total of 186. The Proteas were not able to chase the steep target and MS Dhoni & Co. won the game by 14 runs.

Also Read: Most Runs in T20 World Cup history

#3. Yuvraj Singh | 70 runs vs Australia | 2007

Yuvraj Singh set the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup on fire with his majestic knocks. One of his breathtaking innings came in the Semi-Final against mighty Australia. After electing to bat first, the Indian openers struggled to get going and as a result, India found themselves in a spot of bother at 41 for 2 in eight overs.

In came Yuvraj Singh and knocked the winds out of the fiery Australian bowling attack. He played a blistering counter-attacking innings of 70 runs in just 30 deliveries. The ace all-rounder hit five fours and five sixes in the process. When he was dismissed, India were in a strong position with 155 runs on the board in the 18th over.

Courtesy of Yuvraj's innings, the Men in Blue were able to give Australia a daunting target of 189. This proved to be too much even for the star-studded Australian lineup and they could only manage 173 runs in 20 overs. Thus, India won the match by 15 runs booking a spot in the Final of the mega event.

Read Also: T20 World Cup 2022: Australia Team Preview

#2. Gautam Gambhir | 75 runs vs Pakistan | 2007

India were locking horns with Pakistan in the all-important Final of the 2007 T20 World Cup. However, Men in Blue did not have an ideal start as they lost Yusuf Pathan in the third over followed by Robin Uthappa in the sixth. MS Dhoni & Co. were at 40 for 2 and badly needed a partnership.

Gautam Gambhir rose to the occasion and played a sensational knock in a high-pressure situation. He kept the scoreboard ticking and stitched a 63 runs partnership with Yuvraj Singh. Though the veteran all-rounder was struggling at the other end, Gambhir made up for him by scoring timely boundaries.

Gambhir up the ante at the fag end of the innings, and when he was dismissed India were 130 in 18 overs on course for a competitive total. The Men in Blue ended their innings at 157 for 5 and later went on to win the match by five runs. Gambhir's magnificent knock of 75 runs off 54 balls was one of the prime reasons for India's triumph at the Final of the global event.

Also Read: Happy Birthday Dhoni: Everything the Jersey no. 7 has achieved in his cricketing career

#1. Virat Kohli | 82* runs vs Australia | 2016

India faced Australia at the 2016 T20 World Cup in what was a virtual knock-out game with the winner advancing to the semis. Steve Smith & Co. batted first and posted a total of 160 runs in 20 overs. India in response were in a precarious position after losing their third wicket in the eighth over with just 49 runs on the board.

The Men in Blue needed someone to hold forte and take the game deep, and Virat Kohli did just that. He stitched partnerships with Yuvraj and then with skipper MS Dhoni to take his team home. There was a point when India needed 39 runs off three overs. It was anybody's game but the chase master just unleashed himsefl and won his team the match with five balls to spare.

Read Also: Virat Kohli vs Joe Root vs Steve Smith Test Captaincy records

Kohli's breathtaking knock of 82* runs off 51 deliveries consisted of nine fours and two glorious sixes. The veteran batter's superb innings under pressure helped the Men in Blue book a spot in the Semi-Final of the T20 extravaganza held in India.

Among these five amazing performances by the Indian's in the T20 World Cup which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments and follow Sportz Point for more like these.

Cricket, a sport loved by millions around the world, has witnessed the rise of several legendary players. In the modern era, four exceptional batsmen have stood out with their consistent brilliance, earning them the title of the “Fab Four players.” Their performances are often compared under the widely discussed Fab four Stats.

These iconic cricketers – Virat Kohli, Joe Root, Kane Williamson, and Steve Smith have set new benchmarks for batting excellence across formats. 

Virat Kohli recently announced his retirement from Test cricket earlier today (May 12) with a post on his official Instagram handle. He ended his 14-year illustrious career in the format.

In this article, we will take a closer look at their remarkable careers, comparing their updated statistics and achievements to understand what makes them the finest batsmen of the modern era in Test cricket. 

Also Read: Fav four in cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith overall stats

So, let's take a look at the statistics of the Fav Four in Test cricket.

Fav four in Test cricket | Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith

Test cricket, often considered the ultimate test of a player’s skill and temperament, has seen these four players shine brightly. Here’s how they stack up in the longest format.

Virat Kohli's peak in Test cricket arrived well before the likes of Joe Root and Kane Williamson. Steve Smith matched him toe to toe during that period, but the 12-month ban due to the sandpaper gate overshadowed his brilliance in the format. 

However, when we compare the numbers of Fab four in 2025, Kohli has fallen way behind his contemporaries. Root is at the peak of his powers in Test cricket in the last five years while Williamson has never really been out of form in the whites.

Smith has been on and off over the last couple of years, but his form has never been a concern for Australia in Tests. When it comes to runs, averages and centuries, Kohli ranks last among Fab four and a lot of it has to do with his downfall in the format since November 2019.

Also Read: Sachin vs Kohli: Stats Comparison in Test Cricket

Here is a comparison of Fav four in Test cricket.

Fav four in Test cricket | How Kohli finished in Tests compared to Fab four

It is certain that Virat Kohli, who was once untouchable in the debate of Fab Four, will remain at the bottom forever when compared to his contemporaries. Only if his form hadn't dropped after November 2019, the 36-year-old, today, has stepped down from the format with some unreal numbers.

Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli are two such names in Test cricket who have taken Indian cricket to new heights. While Sachin is called the 'God of Cricket', Virat has proved himself to be the greatest batsman of the modern era with his aggressive style and consistency.

Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket after playing the format for 14 odd years. Kohli, also the former Test captain of India, made his debut in the format in 2011, and since then he had been India's main man in the red ball format.

Also Read: Virat Kohli in Tests: In Numbers

So let's take a look at Sachin vs Kohli stats comparison in Test cricket.

Tendulkar's Test career

Sachin Tendulkar played his first test match in 1989 against Pakistan. He played 200 test matches for the Indian cricket team, in which he remained unbeaten 33 times in 329 innings and managed to score 15,921 runs at an average of 53.78. He scored 51 centuries and 68 half-centuries. Tendulkar's best score in Test cricket was 248* runs. Sachin played his last Test match in the year 2013.

Kohli's Test Career

Kohli played his first Test match in 2011 against West Indies. He was last seen playing against the Australia in January 2025. He scored 9,230 runs in 210 innings of 123 matches at an average of 46.85. He scored 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries from his bat. Kohli's best score has been 254*. During this period, Kohli also remained unbeaten in 13 innings.

Sachin vs Kohli | Stats at number four

Tendulkar played 177 Test matches for India at number four. He was successful in scoring 13,492 runs in 275 innings at an average of 54.40. He scored 44 centuries and 58 half-centuries. His best score was 248*.

Kohli managed to score 7,564 runs at an average of 50.09 in 160 innings of 98 matches at number four. He scored 26 centuries and 21 half-centuries. His best score was 254* runs.

Sachin vs Kohli | Stats as a captain

Tendulkar captained India in 25 Test matches. The team won 4 matches and lost 9 matches. 12 matches were drawn. His winning percentage was 30.76.

Kohli captained the Indian team in 68 matches. The team won 40 matches and lost 17 matches. 11 matches were drawn. Kohli's winning percentage was 70.17.

Sachin vs Kohli | Most Test matches

This is one record that will be very hard to break for anybody. Let's just say that at this moment in time, it looks impossible to break Sachin Tendulkar's record for most Test matches.

Often regarded as the 'God of Cricket', Sachin Tendulkar played 200 Test matches in his illustrious career, whereas Virat Kohli ends his career with 123 Test matches.

Also Read: Fav four in cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith overall stats

Sachin vs Kohli | Most centuries

This is one record that Kohli was expected to break, but unfortunately, he did fall short of going past Sachin Tendulkar. But this does not take away the fact that Kohli is an all-time great and is one of the geniuses that the game has ever seen.

Sachin Tendulkar has 51 Test hundreds to his name, whereas Kohli ends his career with 30 Test hundreds.

Sachin vs Kohli | Most Test Runs

Kohli and Sachin, they have scored runs around the globe and in all conditions. This makes them two greats to have ever played the game. Sachin ended his Test career with 15,921 runs, whereas Kohli called time on his career after scoring 9,230 runs.

Virat Kohli has left a void in Test cricket as he decided to conclude his journey in whites. His entire test career was like gifted moments of immense pride for India. His commitment, influence on team culture, fitness standards, and aggresive approach to the game had a transformative impact on test cricket.

Today, the world bows down to the king as he steps down the throne. See how the cricketing world reacts to Virat Kohli's test retirement.

"It's not easy.. but it feels right": Says Kohli on his retirement post

On 12th May, 2025, Virat Kohli shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, announcing his retirement from the test format. Fans express how his retirement from the T20Is was understandable, but this feels different like a personal loss.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli)

Virat ending the caption with "I will always look back at my Test career with a smile" is something that the whole nation can connect to, with waves of emotions.

A chorus of reactions: the cricketing world reacts to Virat Kohli's test retirement 

From heartwarming messages to showing respect and admiration for his huge contribution in Tests, the emotions have been overflowing through social media platforms.

Here's what the cricketing world has to say about the King's decision to step away.

Indian cricketers on Kohli's legacy 

Former cricketers like Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, Ravi Shastri, as well as Virat's current teammates have penned down their thoughts on his retirement.

Virat, we’ve shared that era… faced the grind together, lived the long days of Test cricket with pride. Your batting in whites is special — not just in numbers, but in intent, intensity, and inspiration.
Good luck going forward #ViratKohli #TestCricket @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/GSh1Ca6I3G

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) May 12, 2025

Can’t believe you are done. You are a modern-day GIANT and were a fantastic ambassador for Test match cricket in every way you played and captained. Thank you for the lasting memories you’ve given to everyone, and to me in particular. It’s something I will cherish for life. Go… pic.twitter.com/1te6LFGdMx

— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) May 12, 2025

Your passion & leadership in Test cricket have inspired millions, brother! Love and respect bro @imVkohli

Sad to see you step away, but your legacy will live on. 🙌 #Legend #thankyouvirat pic.twitter.com/6Ce9Z0wnPj

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) May 12, 2025

Congratulations Virat on an incredible test career. From the time i saw you, knew that you are special. The intensity that you brought and the sheer passion with which you played Test cricket was a joy to watch. You were a great ambassador of Test cricket and wish you the best… pic.twitter.com/JP9yxQnnWC

— Virrender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) May 12, 2025

There was something about @imVkohli in whites. It wasn’t just skill. It was intent. He didn’t want to survive. He wanted to dominate. To conquer.
And in the process, he gave us 14 years of unforgettable memories. Best of luck for your journey ahead 🙌🏻#ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/gTaIRC1el0— Jhulan Goswami (@JhulanG10) May 12, 2025

"A man with lion's passion," says the Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir.

A man with lion’s passion!
Will miss u cheeks…. pic.twitter.com/uNGW7Y8Ak6

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) May 12, 2025

Axar Patel, Rishabh Pant and others on twitter. "Legend retires, legacy remains," added Axar Patel on his tweet.

Kehna asaan hai..samajhna mushkil.
Legend retires, legacy remains. Thank you, Virat bhai @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/O4d7E4U5sW

— Axar Patel (@akshar2026) May 12, 2025

The intensity, the passion, the fight – you gave it your all, every single time! All the best for what's ahead, @imVkohli bhai.
#RP17 pic.twitter.com/jeKH5mYogS

— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) May 12, 2025

Cricketers worldwide on Kohli's test exit

From his closest mate AB de Villiers to Sri Lankan cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya, every cricketer across the world has something to say about this!

Congrats to my biscotti @imVkohli on an epic Test career! Your determination & skill have always inspired me. True legend! ❤️🙌🏻 #ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/2DnNLRzSrI

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) May 12, 2025

All the best on your Test retirement @imVkohli While the world celebrates your cricketing brilliance and records, what I admire most is your unwavering commitment to fitness and the sacrifices you've made behind the scenes

— Sanath Jayasuriya (@Sanath07) May 12, 2025

The former England cricketer, Kevin Pietersen's astonished reaction to Virat's retirement decision.

Virat?!?! 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) May 12, 2025

Read Also: Virat Kohli in Tests: In Numbers

Anushka Sharma reflects on Virat's time in Test cricket 

Through the highs and lows of his career, there has been one constant support of his wife, Anushka Sharma, who has now shared her thoughts on Virat Kohli's test retirement.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by AnushkaSharma1588 (@anushkasharma)

Virat Kohli has decided to retire from Test cricket. He has informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about this. However, BCCI has asked him to consider his decision. Earlier on Thursday, Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket through a social media post.

According to media reports, Kohli has decided to retire and has told the board that he is saying goodbye to Test cricket. BCCI asked him to think again as an important tour of England is coming up. At present, he has not responded to BCCI's statement.

Also Read: Fav four in cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith overall stats

Let's take a look at the performance of Virat Kohli in Tests.

Scored less than 25 average in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Virat's performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy was not good. He scored runs at an average of 23.75 in this series. He got out on a ball outside the off stump 7 times out of 8. In BGT, Kohli scored 190 runs in 9 innings including an unbeaten century.

In the last 5 years, he scored only 3 centuries in 37 Tests and his average was below 35. Earlier, Kohli had retired from T20I cricket, but he was in tremendous form in IPL 2025. He has scored 505 runs in 11 matches so far.

Kohli's performance in BGT 2024-2025

Virat Kohli in Tests | Career so Far

36-year-old Kohli has scored 9,230 runs in 123 Tests so far. He has also scored 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries in his innings.

Kohli scored most centuries against Australia

Virat Kohli has scored 30 centuries in his Test career. Out of these, he has scored the most number of centuries i.e. 9 against Australia. Whereas he has scored the least number of centuries i.e. 2 against Bangladesh.

Kohli scored most centuries in his Test career in Indian soil

Kohli has scored 30 centuries in Tests. Out of these, he has scored the most 14 centuries in India. He has scored only one century in New Zealand.

Kohli was better captain than Rohit and Dhoni in Tests

Rohit Sharma and Mahendra Singh Dhoni are the captains who have won ICC trophies for India. On the other hand, there is Virat Kohli. He has never been able to win an ICC tournament as a captain. However, when it comes to Test cricket, as a leader he seems miles ahead of both Dhoni and Rohit.

Under Rohit's captaincy, Team India even had to face a clean sweep from New Zealand. This never happened under Kohli's captaincy. He captained Team India in 11 Test series on Indian soil. India won all the 11 series.

Kohli captained for the first time on home ground against South Africa in 2015. With the support of Ashwin and Jadeja and Kohli's attacking field strategy, India won the 4 Test series 3-0. From here onwards, the team won all the Test series at home under Kohli's captaincy.

Kohli's captaincy in Tests (Home Tests)

Kohli's captaincy in Tests (Away Tests)

Also Read: Most successful Test captains from India

Scored 7 double centuries as captain

Batsman Virat Kohli gave his best performance under the presence of every captain, but when he himself became the captain, he turned all the shortcomings of Test batting into achievements. Kohli scored a record 7 double centuries under his own captaincy.

Kohli could not do much with the bat during the 2014 tour of England, but in 2018 he turned it around and became the top run scorer of the series. He scores runs every time in Australia, and he also scored a century in South Africa, which proved why ICC named him the best cricketer of the decade in 2020.

If anyone has followed cricket casually over the last decade, they're likely familiar with four key names: former Indian captain Virat Kohli, batting genius Steve Smith, English great Joe Root, and New Zealand's all-time leading run-scorer Kane Williamson.

They together are known as the 'Fab Four' in the modern era of cricket.

Each of them has set new benchmarks for performance, continually pushing one another to enhance their skills. These four batsmen have not only dominated the world of cricket but have also met the expectations of their respective nations.

In this article, we will examine the statistics of the Fab Four across all formats.

Fav Four in cricket: How many runs & centuries have they scored in International Cricket?

Virat Kohli has been the most prolific all-format batter among the fav-four. Kohli, till now in his 550 international games, has scored 27,599 runs with an outstanding average of 52.27. His record of 82 international centuries is only second to Sachin Tendulkar's 100 international centuries.

Read Also | Most ICC Trophies by any men's team

Joe Root comes in second among them with 20,724 runs so far for England across formats. However, undoubtedly, he has been the best test batter of his generation with 12972 test runs, which sets him as the highest test run scorer for England. Root has also scored 53 international hundreds, of which 36 came in tests only.

Read Also | Winners list of last 10 ICC Tournaments (men's)

Kane Williamson, New Zealand's highest runscorer in international cricket, comes at number three in terms of international runs among the fav four. The former Kiwi leader has scored 19,086 runs so far in his career at an average of 48.56. Kane is now only two short of reaching 50 international hundreds. 

Read Also | Most Test runs in 2024: Root, Jaiswal, Duckett and more

Aussie great Steven Smith comes at four with 17,165 runs at an average of 47.81. A late bloomer with the bat, Smith has been outstanding for Australia in tests and ODIs. Along with Root, Smith has also been one of the greatest test batters of this generation.

Here is a comparison of international stats of the fav four. 

Read Also: Most Wickets in Test Cricket

Fab Four in Cricket: Stats across different formats

Virat Kohli (IND)

Joe Root (ENG)

Kane Williamson (NZ)

Steven Smith (AUS)

Note: The article was initially written by Abishek Goswami and then got updated by Koushik Biswas