Every young cricketer dreams of scoring a century for their nation on an international stage. But for a precious few, that dream became a jaw-dropping reality early in their careers.

India has been gifted with such memorable centuries by youngsters who later turned out to be cricketing legends. We are talking about Sachin Tendulkar and his unmatched legacy in the list of the youngest Indians to score an international century.

Check out the other names that follow up with their quality batting skills.

1. Sachin Tendulkar (17 years 107 days) | 1990

Sachin Tendulkar is the youngest Indian cricketer ever and the 3rd youngest overall to score an international century with his maiden century at Old Trafford, in August 1990. At just 17 years and 107 days old, he scored an unbeaten 119 in the fourth innings, helping India to save the Test match against England.

Sachin not only announced his arrival on the global stage with this knock, but also helped India secure a draw in the test.

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

2. Prithvi Shaw (18 years 329 days) | 2018

Prithvi Shaw became the youngest Indian to score a century on Test debut and the second-youngest in this list of international centuries with his knock against the West Indies in October 2018. He was only 18 years and 329 days old at that time.

He reached his hundred in 99 balls and scored 134 runs in that innings, which marked a spectacular test debut.

3. Kapil Dev (20 years 18 days) | 1979

India's legendary all-rounder, Kapil Dev, holds the third place with his century against the West Indies on home soil in 1979. It was his first test century, at the age of 20 years and 18 days. He was 126 not out in the particular innings.

4. Abbas Ali Baig (20 years 126 days) | 1959

Abbas Ali Baig scored his first test century at the age of 20 years and 126 days against England in July 1959. This made him the first Indian to score a century on Test debut outside India and the fourth youngest centurion in this elite list.

Apart from his brilliant achievements in the field of cricket, he is also famously remembered for being kissed by a female fan during a Test match in Bombay.

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

5. Madhav Apte (20 years 137 days) | 1953

The former Indian test opener, Madhav Apte, scored his only test century at the age of 20 years 137 days in January 1953 against the West Indies. He made 163 not out in the fifth test of the series.

Despite the impressive century and a good tour, his Test career was surprisingly short-lived, playing only 7 tests.

6. Ajay Ratra (20 years 148 days) | 2002

Ajay Ratra is a former wicket-keeper batter who also had a short-lived test career, comprising 6 test matches. However, he scored an impactful century at only 20 years and 148 days of age, which puts him in the 6th place for the youngest Indian cricketers to score an international century.

He scored this in May 2002 against the West Indies and helped India secure a draw on a flat pitch.

7. Ravi Shastri (20 years 248 days) | 1983

Ravi Shastri scored his first test century in January 1983 at the age of 20 years and 248 days. He scored 128 in that innings against Pakistan's strong pace attack led by Imran Khan.

This innings transitioned him into an opening batsman, showcasing his finest skills and ability to adapt.

Read Also: 16 Indian Cricketers with stands named after them at a stadium

8. Vijay Manjrekar (20 years 253 days) | 1952

Vijay Manjrekar delivered a key performance on the international stage early in his career with his Test century against England in 1952. At the age of 20 years and 253 days, he stood elegantly against a great English bowling attack.

9. Gundappa Viswanath (20 years 276 days) | 1969

Gundappa Viswanath holds the 9th position with his maiden Test century against Australia in 1969, when he was 20 years and 276 days old. After a duck in his first innings, he bounced back with a magnificent 136 runs in the second innings.

This knock brought him into the limelight at an early age, and also helped the nation see his ability to score under pressure.

Read Also: Fastest Indians to score 2000 test runs

10. Rishabh Pant (20 years 338 days) | 2018

Rishabh Pant's aggressive and fearless approach came into light with his maiden Test century at 20 years and 338 days of age, making his way to the Top 10 youngest Indian cricketers to score an international century.

With this performance in 2018, Pant also became the first Indian wicket-keeper to score a test century in England.

Cricket today is almost entirely a batsman's game. Flat pitches, small boundaries and bigger bats have tilted the game heavily in favor of the batsmen. The bowlers have got nowhere to hide and, the advent of T20s, where the batsmen go after them from the first ball itself have made it even more difficult.

The T20 format has brought about a revolution where the bowlers are more than grateful to keep the run rate down, rather than to take wickets. India made a wonderful foray into the shortest format of the game, winning the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007. Over the years India is blessed to have got some big hitters in their line up who are capable of clearing any boundary in the world.

In this article we will take a look at those batters with most sixes for India in T20Is.

Most Sixes for India in T20Is

5. Hardik Pandya | 95

Hardik Pandya debuted in T20I cricket in 2016 and swiftly established himself as a key member of India's preferred playing eleven, serving as a seam-bowling all-rounder. His T20I career reached its peak in 2024, marked by outstanding all-round performances during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, helping India clinch the title. In terms of batting, Pandya has struck 95 sixes across 90 T20I innings.

Pandya has been included in the Men in Blue's 15-member squad for this year's Asia Cup. If Pandya manages to hit five more maximums in the Asia Cup, then he will go on to surpass KL Rahul's tally of 99 sixes in the shortest format. This will see the all-rounder become the Indian player with the fourth-most sixes in T20Is.

Also Read: Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

4. KL Rahul | 99

KL Rahul, who was once a consistent member of the T20I squad now finds himself out of favour in the T20I setup. Between 2016 and 2022, he played in 72 T20I matches and mostly batted in the top three.

He hit 99 sixes in 68 T20I innings. Following the T20 World Cup 2022, he was excluded from the shortest format due to his outdated approach to T20 cricket, as he did not improve his intent and strike rate.

3. Virat Kohli | 124

The Run Machine Virat Kohli has hit 124 sixes in 117 T20I innings for India. He is one of the most consistent players in the Indian team, with an average of 48.69. He made his T20I debut for India in 2010 and since then he has been a cornerstone of India's batting. Kohli also recorded 4,188 runs in T20I format, which included 38 fifties. 

“King Kohli” was part of the Indian team that won the T20 World Cup in June 2024. After winning the trophy, Kohli announced his retirement from the format. 

2. Suryakumar Yadav | 146*

Yet another batsman who has made six-hitting look extremely easy is India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav. Despite making his T20I debut in March 2021 with a match against England, the elegant middle-order batter has already launched 146 maximums in just 79 innings for Team India.

Having the ability to hit sixes at all parts of the ground with relative ease makes Yadav, a.k.a SKY, draw a comparison with South Africa’s great AB De Villiers who was called Mr. 360 in cricket. His centuries have also come against big teams like England, South Africa, and New Zealand apart from Sri Lanka. He has hit the most number of T20I sixes against West Indies (35).  

1. Rohit Sharma | 205

Former Indian T20I captain Rohit Sharma hit the most sixes for India in T20Is, having hit 205 sixes in 159 games he played. He made his debut for India in the 2007 T20 World Cup against South Africa. However, he failed to cement his place in the team. The turnaround came in the 2013 Champions Trophy when MS Dhoni promoted him up the order to open the batting with Shikhar Dhawan.

Also Read: Most matches by an Indian in international cricket

The mighty Australians have been Rohit's favourite opponent in this format against whom he has hit 29 sixes in 23 matches with Bangladesh being the second, conceding 22 sixes off his willow. Fondly called the “Hitman”, Rohit Sharma hung up his boots from T20Is after delivering the 2024 T20 World Cup title for India.   

The Indian team has given the country and the world many great batsmen, whose batting is admired by the whole world. Whether these players are playing at home or abroad, they have shown their batting prowess everywhere.

There have been a few who have made their nation proud with record appearances in all three formats for the Indian cricket side. While some have been able to represent India in a record number of matches, others have done a significant job in all three formats, time and time again. 

In this article, we will be discussing about most matches by an Indian in international cricket.

Also Read: Can You Guess the Indian with Most ICC Appearances?

Most matches by an Indian in international cricket

1. Sachin Tendulkar | 664

Sachin Tendulkar is the player who has played the most matches for the Indian team in international cricket. From 1989 to 2013, the Master Blaster has played a total of 664 matches in international cricket, in which he has scored 34537 runs at an impressive average of 48.52. He is the only batsman to score 100 centuries in international cricket.

Tendulkar featured in 200 Test matches, where he scored 15,921 runs at an average of 53.78, while he had 51 centuries in the format. On the other hand, he made his ODI appearances in 463 games to score 18,426 runs at an average of 44.83, where he struck runs at a strike rate of 86.23. Also, he was also the first player in the format to score a double-century. Meanwhile, he also made a lone T20I appearance against South Africa in 2006.

2. Virat Kohli | 550

Virat Kohli is second in terms of playing the most number of international matches for India. Kohli, who began his international career in 2008, scored a total of 27599 runs at an average of 52.36 in 550 matches, in which 82 centuries have come from his bat. Kohli's highest score in international cricket has been 254* runs. 

Kohli has represented India in 123 Test matches, while he has made 302 and 125 appearances in ODI and T20Is. Kohli has dominated in all three formats, where ODI has been his forte with 14,180 runs at an average of 57.88, with his 51 centuries. On the other hand, he has 9,230 runs in Test cricket, while having 4,188 runs in the duration of his T20I career.

3. MS Dhoni | 535

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, has retired after the 2019 World Cup from international cricket. Debuting in the year 2004, MS Dhoni went on to play 535 matches for India where he amassed a total of 17,092 runs while averaging 44.74 across formats. During this, 15 centuries have come from his bat. Under Dhoni's captaincy, the Indian team won the T20 World Cup, Champions Trophy and ODI World Cup titles.

The Indian wicketkeeper batter was the most reliable player in ODI cricket with 10,773 runs in 350 matches. While he made 90 Test appearances to score 4,876 runs, whereas he played 98 matches in the shortest format with 1,617 runs during his career.

4. Rahul Dravid | 504

Rahul Dravid has played cricket for the Indian team from 1996 to 2012. During this time, he featured in a total of 504 matches for the Men in Blue, while scoring a total of 24,064 runs at an average of 45.57. He scored 48 centuries in international cricket.

Dravid, also called as The Wall, was one of the most celebrated players of his time with 164 Test appearances powered by 344 ODI games, while he played a lone T20I match. In Test cricket, Dravid was a beast with 13,288 runs, whereas in one-day cricket, he was at his best with 10,889 runs. Dravid has also been the coach of Team India and under his coaching the Indian team won the T20 World Cup 2024 title.

Also Read: Most Test Centuries in Cricket History

5. Rohit Sharma | 499*

Rohit Sharma played his first international cricket match for the Indian team in 2007. He is just one game away from the record figure of 500 after featuring in 499 matches so far in his overall international career.

Now, Rohit has retired from T20I and Test cricket. He is currently playing in ODIs. In his combined career, Sharma has amassed 19,700 runs at an average of 42.18, while he has scored a total of 49 centuries in all forms of the game for India.

Additionally, Rohit led India to back-to-back two ICC trophies, the 2024 T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy 2025. He has five centuries in the T20I format for India. Moreover, with 11,168 runs in 273 ODIs, he is also one of the top-notch run-scorers.

A maiden over, where six legitimate balls are delivered with no runs conceded, is common in the longer format of the game. But being able to contain some of the world’s most brutal batters to scoreless overs in the shortest format of the game is a truly remarkable feat.

However, a select few elite Test cricket nations players have career T20I economies of less than eight runs each and have a tally of maiden overs to their names.

Let's have a look at the most maiden overs in T20Is among Test playing nations.

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

Most maiden overs in T20Is (Test playing nations)

5. Josh Hazlewood | 7

Josh Hazlewood is one of the most celebrated ace speedsters in international cricket. Hazlewood stands out for his stronger impact in limited-overs cricket, he maintains a better economy rate, delivers superior best figures.

Making his debut in 2013, Hazlewood has bowled seven maiden overs in the shortest format of the game. In 55 T20I, Hazlewood has claimed 73 wickets with an average of 21.83 and an economy rate of 7.60. No fast bowler from a Test nation has claimed more T20I wickets at a better economy rate since then.

4. Tim Southee | 7

Tim Southee had a fruitful 16-year-long T20I career. The right-arm swing bowler was often New Zealand’s third or fourth bowler in the shorter format, and he delivered in spades. Southee bowled seven maiden overs in the shortest format of the game.

Southee also bagged 164 wickets in 123 innings at an average of 22.38. He delivered his best performance 5/18 against Pakistan in December 2010.

3. Mustafizur Rahman | 8

Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman has quite a few variations which have led to his success as a bowler in T20I cricket. If there is anyone who can overtake Shakib Al Hasan to become Bangladesh’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is, it’s Mustafizur. He has bowled eight maiden overs in T20I cricket as of now, the most for Bangladesh.

Mustafizur bowls a mix of cutters and slower ones in the middle overs besides getting his yorkers right at the death. He did so at the 2016 T20 World Cup, on his way to a maiden five-wicket haul in T20 cricket. He finished the match with an outstanding 5/22.

However, his best performance was an unbelievable 6/10 against the USA in May 2024. He has taken 138 wickets in 109 innings at an average of 21.07 and an economy of 7.36.

2. Bhuvneshwar Kumar | 10

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, one of India's greatest new-ball bowlers, has delivered 10 maiden overs in the shortest format. The right-arm seamer was once a mainstay bowler for India across formats. Bhuvi made his T20I debut against Pakistan in December 2012. He bowled the 10th maiden in a T20 World Cup match against Zimbabwe on November 6, 2022.

Bhuvneshwar, who is known for his astute impeccable line and length, has picked up 90 wickets from 87 T20Is so far. His average and economy rate read 23.10 and 6.96.

Also Read: Team India’s Record in Knockout Games – ODI vs T20 vs Test

1. Jasprit Bumrah | 12

Jasprit Bumrah has bowled the most maiden overs in T20Is amongst the Test playing nations bowlers. Despite being known as one of India’s greatest fast bowlers in Test cricket, Bumrah has been equally as effective in his shorter format matches.

Since 2016, Bumrah has become a fearsome aspect of his country’s pace attack due to his unorthodox short run-up and ability to swing the ball both ways. This makes it hard for many batsmen to consistently score off him.

Bumrah has sent down an impressive 12 maiden overs. In 70 T20Is, Bumrah has also struck 89 wickets while averaging 17.74 and boasting a stellar economy of 6.27. 

BCCI has announced the 15-member Indian team squad for Asia Cup 2025. Suryakumar Yadav and Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar came for the press conference to announce the team. The command of the Indian team has been given to Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill has been made the vice-captain. Meanwhile, some important questions were also answered during the Asia Cup team announcement press conference.

Here are five things from Asia Cup team announcement press conference.

Also Read: Records T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav can break in Asia Cup 2025

🚨 #TeamIndia's squad for the #AsiaCup 2025 🔽

Surya Kumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (WK), Harshit Rana,…

— BCCI (@BCCI) August 19, 2025

Why Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal not in the team?

Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal have not got a place in the Asia Cup squad. They set the stage on fire for their franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. However, the duo have yet to receive a T20I call-up. 

Regarding which Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar said, "With regards to Yashasvi Jaiswal, I mean it's just unfortunate again. Abhishek Sharma, what he's done over the last few months or a year or so that he's been with the team. Plus, that he can bowl a little bit gives us an option, if required, by the captain.

With regards to Shreyas, I mean, we can replace that. Again, no fault of his. Nor is it ours. It's just that he can pick 15 and, at the moment, he might have to wait for his chance."

Agarkar told why Gill got the chance

Shubman Gill last played a T20I in July 2024 against Sri Lanka. For the three-match series back then, the 25-year-old was made the vice-captain. Keeping the continuity in mind, the management decided to bring him back, considering the right-hander is available for the shortest format of the game.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar said in a Asia Cup team announcement press conference, "We will take the call on the best balance for the team. Once we get to Dubai, will have a bit more clarity. More options available now, Shubman has been in great form anyway last few months. So has Sanju. so two good options, along with Abhishek."

Bumrah's workload management

Jasprit Bumrah played just three Tests in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England owing to workload management. Ever since the series came to an end, the pacer has received flak from some corners for picking and choosing. Amid all the drama, Bumrah made himself available for the Asia Cup.

Agarkar once again confirmed that Bumrah's workload management would continue despite the outside noise, as he spoke about how special the pacer truly is.

"I mean, I don't think there is any written plan at the moment. Obviously, there has been a nice break after the England series as well. The team management, the physios, or the people concerned are always in touch. It's not just now. Even before his injury, we have tried to look after him. Because we know how valuable he is. Clearly, we want him available for all the big games," said Agarkar.

Suryakumar Yadav on T20 WC plans

Suryakumar Yadav said on what lies ahead for the Indian team leading up to the T20 World Cup. "This is the first big tournament that we are playing after the T20 World Cup. We played three-four bilateral series but it's a good tournament to test ourselves. After this too there are many T20s. It starts with the Asia Cup,"

"The preparation is obviously...we had a little bit of idea after the last World Cup, which way we are going to go. But as you get closer, you know who your 16-17-18 are. You want to try and give them the best possible opportunity to be in the best shape going into the World Cup. So yeah, it starts now."

Also Read: Highest Run Scorer in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

End of the road for Samson?

Gill's return might well be the end of the road for Sanju Samson in India’s XI. As vice-captain, there is no way, Gill won't play. And when he does, he of course will open along with Abhishek Sharma. Tilak Varma won’t be moved from the No. 3 position, and neither will Surya or Hardik. So there’s your rough deal.

Asia Cup 2025: India Squad

Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (WK), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.

Australia and South Africa are playing the 3rd T20I match Today at Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns, a winner-takes-all contest with the series currently level at 1-1. The Aussies took the opening game by 17 runs, but the Proteas bounced back in style in the second match, defeating the hosts by 53 runs.

With the Australia vs South Africa series tied at 1-1, both sides have everything to play for, but for the Proteas, this contest carries added weight, they are chasing a piece of 16-year-old history.

Also Read: Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

The three-match series result so far

In the Australia vs South Africa first T20I in Darwin, Australia took the early lead thanks to a power-packed 83 from Tim David, who smashed eight sixes to break a 16-year-old record for most sixes by an Aussie in a T20I innings against South Africa. His fireworks ensured a 17-run victory for the hosts.

In the second T20I in Darwin, South Africa roared back spectacularly. Youngster Dewald Brevis produced a breathtaking unbeaten 125 off just 56 balls, the highest T20I score by a South African. Chasing 218, the Proteas cruised home and snapped Australia’s nine-match winning streak in the format.

This sets up a mouth-watering decider, with both teams desperate to close out the series.

The 16-year old history

South Africa has never won a bilateral T20I series in Australia since the two teams first met in the shortest format back in 2006. Every attempt since then has ended in disappointment. Now, with the series tied and momentum on their side, the Proteas have a golden chance to rewrite history. 

For Australia, pride and dominance at home are at stake. Tim David’s heroics in the first game showcased their explosive batting depth, but their bowlers will need to find answers to Brevis’ fearless hitting.

South Africa can rewrite history in Cairns

Australia won the toss and opted to bowl first in Cairns, hoping to exploit the conditions under lights. South Africa, brimming with confidence after their record chase, will look to put runs on the board and apply scoreboard pressure.

A historic first-ever T20I series win on Australian soil beckons for South Africa. For the Aussies, it’s about reasserting their dominance at home and denying the Proteas a slice of history.

Also Read: Highest Run Scorer in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

Every Australia vs South Africa T20I series Results