The T20I cricket, known for its fast-paced and thrilling genre, has revolutionized the game since its inception. The shorter version has encouraged aggressive batting, innovative bowling, and extraordinary fielding, leading to several T20I records being set and broken with astonishing frequency. However, amidst this achievements, certain T20I records stand out for their sheer magnitude and seem almost untouchable. Let's take a look at the greatest T20I records that will stand the test of time.

Also Read: The Greatest Test Matches in Recent Cricket History

Fastest T20I Century Record

Scoring a century in cricket is a remarkable achievement, but in the fast-paced world of T20 cricket, where deliveries are limited, hitting a hundred becomes even more impressive. Chris Gayle, renowned as the ‘Universe Boss,’ held the record for the fastest T20I century in just 30 balls, achieved during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match in 2013 until recently. In June 2024, Estonia’s Sahil Chauhan set a new world record for the fastest century in T20 cricket. During a bilateral series match against Cyprus, Chauhan reached his hundred in just 27 balls.

Most Runs in a T20I Career

West Indies batting legend Chris Gayle has scored the most runs in T20I cricket. Gayle made 14,562 runs in 463 T20I matches while playing for as many as 28 different teams. This includes the West Indies cricket team, Team Punjab, Kolkata and Bangalore in the Indian T20 League as well as Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators from the Pakistan Super League among others.

During his career that started in 2005, Gayle hit a whopping 22 hundreds and 88 fifties. This return is the most any player has ever managed in the shortest format. On top of that, he is also the only player to hit more than 1000 sixes in T20I cricket, having notched 1056 maximums during his career.

Highest T20I Strike Rates

Australian former batter, Peter Nevill had an outstanding batting strike rate of 227.27 across 9 T20I matches, securing the top position in the list of batsmen with the highest T20 batting strike rate. Trailing behind is Scott Kuggeleijn , who has maintained a commendable batting strike of 213.51 over 18 T20 matches, followed closely by Taranjit Singh with a strike rate of 213.04 in 9 T20 matches.

Best Bowling Performances

In 2023, Syazrul Idrus of Malaysia delivered an exceptional performance against China. He achieved the best bowling figures in T20I history by taking a 7 wickets and conceding only 8 runs. Harsha Bharadwaj, who played for Singapore in the T20, showed his remarkable bowling skills by taking 6 wickets in an innings while only conceding 3 runs in 4 overs. This outstanding performance puts him right after Syazrul Idrus as one of the best bowlers in the history of T20.

Highest Team Totals

The Nepal men's team holds the record for the highest score in T20 cricket. They scored 314/3 vs Mongolia at the Asian Games 2023. It is also the highest score in T20 internationals (T20I) and the first time that the 300-mark was breached in the shortest format of the men's game. Sunrisers Hyderabad scored second highest score in T20I cricket. They smashed 287/3 against Royal Challengers Bangalore during IPL 2024.

Before Nepal and Hyderabad, Afghanistan and the Czech Republic jointly held the record for the highest team total in T20I history.

Also Read: Joe Root vs Sachin Tendulkar: Who is ahead after 145 Test matches? Full analysis

Record-Breaking Six-Hitters

Rohit Sharma has smashed the most number of sixes (205) in T20I histroy. Rohit has played a total of 159 matches and has scored 4,231 runs at an average of 32.05. Rohit Sharma followed by Martin Guptill (173 sixes), Nicholas Pooran (144 sixes), Jos Buttler (137 sixes), Suryakumar Yadav (136 sixes) and Glenn Maxwell (134 sixes) on top five among the list. 

Unbeatable Partnership Records

Afghanistan’s Hazratullah Zazai and Usman Ghani hold the men’s record for the highest partnership in T20. The duo put on 236 runs for the opening wicket vs Ireland in 2019. Meanwhile, in women’s cricket, the duo of Lucia Taylor and Albertina Galan of Argentina hold the record for the highest partnership in T20 cricket. The two put on 350 runs for the opening wicket against Chile Women in 2023 during the first T20I of a bilateral series between the two nations.

Team India played their first knockout game in cricketing history against England in the 1983 Cricket World Cup semi-final match. Not only did they win the semi-final, but they also stood victorious in the Final against West Indies. This marked the beginning of India's journey in knockouts.

Over the years, they have played a total of 39 knockout matches, starting from the 1983 WC semi-final to the 2025 Champions Trophy Final. The good part about the two mentioned matches is that they won both games.

Get ready to dive into a detailed overview of team India's record in knockout games – ODI vs T20 vs Test.

Team India’s record in ODI knockouts (29 appearances)

• Total matches played: 29
• Won: 18
• Lost: 11

India played the maximum number of knockout matches in the ODI format of the game, having an impressive record of victories. They won 18 matches out of their 29 appearances, which includes memorable World Cup and Champions Trophy title wins.

Out of these knockout matches, 8 appearances were in the Finals of the respective tournaments. They won 4 finals and lost 4, with a win percentage of 50. What makes it more special is that all of these achievements came in different eras of cricket for India.

It started with the 1983 WC win led by Kapil Dev, which was carried forward by MS Dhoni's unparalleled squad of the 2011 WC, followed by the 2013 Champions Trophy triumph, and most recently, the 2025 Champions Trophy victory by the modern era of the Indian cricket team.

Read Also: Top 10 players with most runs in ICC knockout matches

Team India’s record in T20I knockouts (8 appearances)

• Total matches played: 8
• Won: 5
• Lost: 3

India has done exceptionally well in the shortest format, like T20, with 5 wins in 8 appearances. They played their first T20 knockout match against Australia, in the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup semifinal and won. They also ended the tournament on a brilliant note with a win against Pakistan in the Final match.

Talking about the final appearance, India played 3 finals and won twice among them. These include the 2007 WC win and the thrilling 2024 World Cup victory over South Africa.

India has showcased high potential and growth in the T20Is, having clinched their 2nd WC title under Rohit Sharma's captaincy. This victory, along with the rising talents doing extremely well in tournaments like the IPL, has raised the hopes higher for India in this format.

Read Also: ICC Trophy winners list year-wise (2000-2025)

Team India’s record in Test knockouts (2 appearances)

• Total matches played: 2
• Won: 0
• Lost: 2

Coming down to the longest format of the game, India had quite a hard luck playing in Test knockout games. Despite reaching the finals of the World Test Championship back-to-back, they could not taste victory in any.

The first time India played a Test knockout was in the 2021 WTC Final against New Zealand, where they lost by 8 wickets. The team bounced back well in the following season (2021-23) and reached the final, only to face a heartbreaking defeat by 209 runs against Australia.

Read Also: ICC tournaments hosted by India – History & Highlights

Performance breakdown – ODI vs T20 vs Test

ICC tournaments are very crucial cricket tournaments in international cricket. These tournaments observe all the top cricket teams competing against each other. ODI World Cup, T20I World Cup, and Champions Trophy are the three major ICC tournaments. Some Indian players have turned up at these worldwide events multiple times, impacting the game long and deeply.

In this article, we will take a look at those Indian with most ICC appearances.

Also Read: Top 10 players with most runs in ICC knockout matches

Indian with Most ICC Appearances

10. Sachin Tendulkar | 61

• Span - 1992-2011
• Runs - 2719
• HS - 152

After hitting runs all over the ground throughout a two-decade glorious career filled up with many centuries and fifties, legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, widely regarded as the greatest batter after Sir Don Bradman.

Having represented India in 61 ICC tournaments, Sachin scored 2719 runs with seven centuries. His highest score in these tournaments is 152.

9. Mohammed Shami | 61

• Span - 2014-2025
• Wickets - 163
• BBI - 7/57

Mohammed Shami is India's most successful bowler in ICC white-ball Tournaments. Mr. ICC is also India's most successful bowler in ICC events, surpassing Zaheer Khan.

Shami has played a total of 61 matches across various ICC tournaments, taking 163 wickets. His best performance in the tournament is 7/57.

8. KL Rahul | 62

• Span - 2019-2025
• Runs - 2808
• HS - 137

There are stars in the Indian team, and then there is KL Rahul. Rahul showcased consistent performances for India as he batted in any position for the team. Rahul was one of the unsung heroes of the Men in Blue's victorious 2025 Champions Trophy campaign.

KL has played a total of 62 matches across various ICC tournaments, amassing 2808 runs. His highest score in the tournament is 137. He also has 6 hundreds to his name.

7. Yuvraj Singh | 72

• Span - 2000-2017
• Runs - 1707
• HS - 113
• Wickets - 35

Those who watched Indian cricket during the last two decades know how valuable Yuvraj Singh has been for the Indian cricket team. Statistics aside, he has proved to be a match-winner almost every time he has stepped on to the field in Indian colors.

Having represented India in 72 ICC tournaments, Yuvraj scored 1707 runs with one century, and 35 wickets to his name.

6. MS Dhoni | 78

• Span - 2006-2019
• Runs - 1492
• HS - 91

Legendary Indian skipper MS Dhoni turned 42 on Friday. With his performances and composure in big matches both as a captain and batter, he has won India all three major ICC white-ball cricket trophies, making him one of the most successful captains in cricket history.

Dhoni has played a total of 78 matches across various ICC tournaments, amassing 1492 runs. His highest score in the tournament is 91*.

Also Read: MS Dhoni's captaincy record in ICC Finals

5. Jasprit Bumrah | 79

• Span - 2016-2025
• Wickets - 229
• BBI - 6/27

Jasprit Bumrah is an integral part of India in all formats of the sport. Spearheading India’s pace attack for the last few years, he has done an incredible job.

Bumrah has played a total of 79 matches across various ICC tournaments, taking 229 wickets. His best performance in the tournament is 6/27.

4. Ravichandran Ashwin | 84

• Span - 2011-2024
• Runs - 1248
• HS - 113
• Wickets - 254

Ravichandran Ashwin is sure to go down as one of Indian cricket’s all-time greats. Having featured in 84 matches for India, the numbers paint a befitting picture of his impact with both bat and ball.

Ashwin scored 1248 runs in verious ICC events. He also has 254 wickets in the tournaments.

3. Ravindra Jadeja | 107

• Span - 2009-2025
• Runs - 2516
• HS - 175*
• Wickets - 202

Ravindra Jadeja has appeared in total of 107 matches across various ICC events, amassing 2516 runs. He also has 3 tons in the tournaments. His highest score in ICC event is an unbeaten 175. Jadeja also has 202 wickets in his name. 

2. Rohit Sharma | 130

• Span - 2007-2025
• Runs - 6172
• HS - 212

Indian captain Rohit Sharma has led India to back-to-back ICC titles, T20 World Cup 2024 and Champions Trophy 2025. 

Rohit has played a total of 130 matches across various ICC tournaments, amassing 6172 runs. He also has 17 hundreds to his name. Rohit has represented India in nine T20 World Cups, three ODI World Cups, two World Test Championship (WTC) finals, and three Champions Trophy tournaments.

Also Read: Who can break Rohit’s six-hitting record?

1. Virat Kohli | 136

• Span - 2009-2025
• Runs - 6451
• HS - 254*

Former Indian skipper Virat Kohli has the most ICC appearances, playing 136 matches for India. Recently Kohli was part of the Indian team that won the T20 World Cup 2024 edition against South Africa and Champions Trophy 2025 against New Zealand.

Kohli has played a total of 136 matches across various ICC events, amassing 6451 runs. He has 11 tons in the tournaments. His performances showed his consistency and ability to deliver for India in crucial international tournaments.

In the high-stakes world of international cricket, the pressure of ICC knockout matches can make or break careers. Every player steps in with the mindset of taking their nation ahead in the game, leaving no room for regrets. However, only a few can actually stay consistent under such highly competitive environment.

No matter how a player performed throughout the tournament, the ultimate test always awaits in the knockouts. ICC knockouts' history have seen extremely talented players scoring for their teams and keeping the flow going.

The question is, out of all the consistent scorers round the globe, who scored the most runs? We have the answer to it. Check out the list of top 10 players with most runs in ICC knockout matches.

10. Mahela Jayawardene (499 runs) | Sri Lanka 

Mahela Jayawardene, a true master of elegant batting, consistently delivered for Sri Lanka in crucial matches throughout his international career. He holds the 10th position with 499 runs in 18 innings played in ICC knockout matches.

One of his iconic knock among all is undoubtedly his century in the 2011 World Cup Final against India (103* off 88 balls). Though the match result was not in their favour, Mahela's contribution was the sole reason SL could reach a defendable target after the early collapse of the batting line-up.

Jayawardene stats in ICC knockout matches:

Read Also: Who scored the fastest century in T20 World Cups?

9. Sourav Ganguly (514 runs) | India

The former captain and aggressive left-handed opener, Sourav Ganguly, led India with passion in high-stakes games. He often contributed with the bat which laid the foundation of a huge total for the team.

Ganguly scored 514 runs in only 8 innings played in ICC knockouts! His unbeaten 141 against South Africa in the 2000 Champions Trophy semi-final is the highest among all his other knockout performances.

Ganguly stats in ICC knockout matches:

8. Jacques Kallis (539) | South Africa

Jacques Kallis, the greatest all-rounder of his generation, was a pillar of the South African team. His contributions in the knockout matches for SA were not always marked by centuries, but they had solid consistency.

He scored 539 runs in only 11 matches, which says a lot about his dedication and hard work for winning. His highest among all was a notable 113* against Sri Lanka in the semi-final of the inaugural season (1998) of the ICC Champions Trophy, which led to a big victory.

Kallis stats in ICC knockout matches:

Read Also: Is 2025 the miraculous year in sports history?

7. Kumar Sangakkara (595) | Sri Lanka

Another Sri Lankan legend makes it to the top 10 for most runs in ICC knockout matches with his quality batting. It is none other than Kumar Sangakkara, who was the cornerstone of SL in white-ball cricket for over a decade.

He was a part of several Sri Lankan teams that reached major ICC Finals, like the 2011 WC final, and the victorious 2014 T20 World Cup. Sangakkara scored 595 runs in 19 matches, at an average of 39.66.

His contributions were one of the key aspects of the team's success in reaching these finals.

Sangakkara stats in ICC knockout matches:

6. Sachin Tendulkar (657) | India

The 'Little Master,' Sachin Tendulkar, played in an era where India reached multiple ICC knockout stages. He scored 657 runs in 14 innings, including a century. In knockouts, his vital half-centuries saved the team from choking in several matches.

One of his most remembered fifties is the 85 runs against Pakistan in the 2011 World Cup semi-final. Tendulkar's only century in a knockout game came against Australia in the 1998 quarter-final match of the Champions Trophy, where he scored 141 off 128 balls.

Tendulkar stats in ICC knockout matches:

Read Also: Youngest Indian cricketers to score an international century

5. Kane Williamson (659 runs) | New Zealand

Kane Williamson is the only cricketer from New Zealand to feature in this list, and that too in the top 5. He scored 659 runs in 15 matches and has always been a great support to the team's batting lineup.

His century in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy semi-final against South Africa played a significant role in setting a good total, which led to a victory. Williamson played many such match-winning knocks for NZ in knockouts.

Williamson stats in ICC knockout matches:

4. Steve Smith (663 runs) | Australia

The Australian star player, Steve Smith, always showed a knack for performing on the big stage for his team. He stands 4th with 663 runs scored in 13 matches. One of his most memorable centuries in knockouts came in the 2015 World Cup semi-final against India.

Smith has consistently performed in every format, each time Australia reached the highly competitive stage of the game of cricket.

Smith stats in ICC knockout matches:

Read Also: ICC Trophy winners list year-wise (2000-2025)

3. Ricky Ponting (731 runs) | Australia

The legendary Australian batter, Ricky Ponting, led his side to unmatched dominance in ICC tournaments. He scored 731 runs in 18 matches, with 3 centuries and 1 half-century. 

His most iconic ICC knockout moment is the 2003 World Cup Final, where he scored a phenomenal 140* runs against India. Australia winning the title that year made Ponting's knock more memorable.

Ponting stats in ICC knockout matches:

2. Rohit Sharma (884 runs) | India

The 3rd Indian batter to dominate the list, the 'Hitman' of cricket, Rohit Sharma, stands tall with 884 runs in 21 matches. He has a long experience of playing in high-pressure ICC knockout matches and acing them.

While he has multiple centuries in the World Cup, his highest in an ICC knockout is 137 runs, scored against Bangladesh in the 2015 World Cup quarter-final. From giving a solid start to carrying the momentum and building partnerships, Rohit has done it all to fetch those magnificent knockout victories.

Sharma stats in ICC knockout matches:

Read Also: Most successful Test captains from India

1. Virat Kohli (1024 runs) | India

Virat Kohli, the chase master and modern-day legend, sits atop this list with 1024 runs in ICC knockout matches. He is the only player ever to score over a thousand runs in knockouts, having 1 century and 9 half centuries.

Kohli's hunger for runs and victory makes him the most reliable player in vital matches. He reached his 50th ODI century by scoring 117 runs against New Zealand in the 2023 WC semi-final. He has often guided India through tricky chases or helped set up formidable totals.

Kohli's stats in ICC knockout matches:

Rohit Sharma, widely known as the "Hitman," has redefined power-hitting in international cricket. He has been a key opener for the Indian cricket team and always managed to give them a solid start.

Rohit's six-hitting show is incredibly exciting to watch, as he completely dominantes every bowler from the opponent. He has smashed a staggering 637 sixes in his international cricket, and the numbers are yet to increase.

The breakdown of his 637 sixes goes like: 88 sixes in Tests, 344 sixes in ODIs, and 205 sixes in T20Is. Following his retirement from Test cricket and T20Is, the only way the numbers could increase is ODIs.

As the game of cricket continues to evolve and new talents emerge, it raises a question: who can break Rohit’s six-hitting record? Join us as we explore the list of batters.

Read Also: Most Sixes in International Cricket History | Top 25 Batters

Retired players with high six counts

There's a number of retired cricket legends who follow down the list of most international sixes after Rohit Sharma. Their careers concluded with a high count of sixes, that were celebrated throughout.

The West Indies power-hitter, Chris Gayle, with 553 international sixes, is the closest someone could ever get to Rohit's numbers.

Here's a list of retired cricketers with high six counts that no longer impose a threat to Rohit's record:

Active players with potential to break Rohit's record

Beyond the above list of retired batters, there's a group of active players whose evolving numbers suggest they possess the firepower and skill to climb o top and challenge Rohit's six-hitting record.

Read Also: Most sixes in T20 Internationals in 2025 so far (men & women)

Jos Buttler (369 sixes)

England's explosive wicket-keeper batter, Jos Buttler, is a rising name in the list of most international sixes, having smashed 369 sixes in 384 matches. He is a true gem who can hit massive sixes under pressure and turn the game around.

Buttler's quality, especially in limited overs, makes him the strongest contender to challenge Rohit's record in the upcoming years.

Other active players on the run: Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell

• Virat Kohli: Although not known to be big of a six hitter, Kohli has hit an impressive 306 sixes. With his ODIs career still ongoing, he will surely climb a significant amount and get closer.
• Glenn Maxwell: After his ODI retirement, Maxwell is currently on the run with 299 sixes. The numbers will take a leap as he continues to do well in T20Is for Australia.

Indian Women's batter Smriti Mandhana became the latest batter to score international centuries in all formats of the game. With her maiden T20I ton against England in Nottingham, Smriti has now become the sixth Indian and the first Indian woman batter to have the achievement. 

Read Also | Top Female Cricketers Who Are Making History

Smriti Mandhana played a sensational 112-run inning from just 62 balls, which included 15 fours and 3 sixes. This is also the highest score by any Indian Women player in T20Is. The previous best was Harmanpreet Kaur's 103 against New Zealand in 2018. 

🚨𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐓𝟐𝟎𝐈 𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐦𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐚

1️⃣1️⃣2️⃣ Runs
6️⃣2️⃣ Balls

Smriti Mandhana lit up Nottingham with her maiden T20I ton, that too as the captain of the Indian cricket team. #ENGWvINDW #SmritiMandhana pic.twitter.com/WLSQwGi4SV

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) June 28, 2025

Earlier in the day, Harmanpreet Kaur was ruled out of the first T20I of the series as a precaution taken by the team after she suffered a head injury during the practice game against the ECB Select XI. Sneh Rana handed the debut cap to left-arm spinner N Shree Charani. 

Harleen Kaur also scored a quick-fire 43 from 23 balls, to help India score 210/5 in the first inning. 

Read Also | Most Partnership runs for India in all formats

Indian batters to score an international ton in all formats

Here are the Indian batters who have scored an international ton in all formats

1. Suresh Raina
2. Virat Kohli
3. Rohit Sharma
4. KL Rahul
5. Shubman Gill
6. Smriti Mandhana