(Credit- Sportzpics)
Abhishek Sharma set Wankhede Stadium alight with a stunning knock in the fifth T20I against England, reaching his half-century in just 17 balls—the second-fastest by an Indian in T20Is, behind Yuvraj Singh’s legendary 12-ball fifty in 2007.
Right from the start, Abhishek took control, dispatching the England bowlers to all parts of the ground. His explosive batting helped India race to 95/1 in the powerplay, setting a new record for their highest-ever T20I powerplay total. He continued to dominate, bringing up his century in just 37 balls, making him the second-fastest Indian to reach the landmark in T20Is.
While he missed out on breaking the record for the fastest T20I century (held by Rohit Sharma and David Miller at 35 balls), his incredible innings, which included 10 sixes, was a breathtaking display of power-hitting that laid the perfect foundation for India’s innings.
List of the Fastest Century in T20I for India
5. Suryakumar Yadav- 45 Balls
Suryakumar Yadav, India’s T20I dynamo, is renowned for his unorthodox shots and his ability to take on bowlers from the very first ball. In the 2023 series against Sri Lanka, he once again proved why he is one of the most thrilling players in the format. Coming in at No. 3, Yadav unleashed a destructive knock of 112* off just 45 balls, smashing nine towering sixes. His creative stroke play—featuring scoops, reverse sweeps, and powerful drives—left the Sri Lankan bowlers helpless.
What truly stood out was Yadav’s supreme confidence and his effortless ability to find gaps all over the field. He brought up his century in just 45 balls, making it the third-fastest by an Indian at that time. India went on to win the game by a huge margin, with Yadav’s brilliant innings undoubtedly being the highlight of the match.
4. Tilak Varma- 41 Balls
Tilak Varma put on a spectacular display of power-hitting at The Wanderers in Johannesburg on November 15, 2024, blasting an unbeaten 120 off just 47 balls against South Africa in the fourth T20I. His rapid century, brought up in just 41 balls, is the third-fastest by an Indian batter in T20Is, adding another remarkable milestone to his growing list following his century in the previous match.
Tilak’s innings, which included nine fours and ten towering sixes, helped India post a record-breaking total of 283/1—one of the highest scores in T20I history. He shared a sensational 210-run unbeaten partnership with Sanju Samson, who also played a blinding knock of 109* off 56 balls, featuring 6 fours and 9 sixes. Together, their partnership tore apart the South African bowlers, putting India firmly in control of the match and further solidifying Tilak’s status as a rising star in the T20 format.
3. Sanju Samson – 40 Balls
Samson’s innings in Hyderabad today was nothing short of brilliant. Opening alongside Abhishek Sharma, he displayed his full range of strokes, taking apart the Bangladesh bowlers with a combination of raw power and elegant finesse. After a couple of quieter matches, Samson truly came alive, launching into a devastating assault, including five consecutive sixes off leg-spinner Rishad Hossain in one over. He brought up his maiden T20I century in just 40 balls, finishing the landmark with a boundary down the ground off Mahedi Hasan.
Samson’s timing couldn’t have been better, as India sought to complete a series whitewash with a commanding performance. Although dismissed by Mustafizur Rahman for 111 off 47 balls, his ability to find the boundary at will and his swift running between the wickets meant the Bangladesh bowlers were under constant pressure. This innings not only solidified Samson’s place in the Indian team but also demonstrated his intent to be a key figure in the shorter formats of the game.
Also Read: Michael Bevan Enters Australia’s Hall of Fame, Defying Traditional Criteria
2. Abhishek Sharma- 37 Balls
Abhishek Sharma delivered a sensational display of power-hitting at Wankhede, racing to his fifty in just 17 balls—the second-fastest by an Indian in T20Is. Maintaining his aggressive approach, he hammered 10 sixes and five fours, bringing up his century in a blistering 37 balls. Although he fell short of the record for the fastest T20I hundred (35 balls), his knock played a crucial role in India’s explosive start, helping them cross the 100-run mark in just 6.3 overs.
2. Rohit Sharma- 35 Balls
In December 2017, Rohit Sharma decimated the Sri Lankan bowling attack in Indore, setting the record for the fastest T20I century by an Indian. Known for his effortless ability to switch gears, Rohit was in sensational form as he blasted 12 fours and 10 sixes, racing to 118 off just 43 balls. His century, brought up in a mere 35 deliveries, helped India post a massive total of 260/5. Sri Lanka’s chase never really took off, as they fell short by 88 runs. Rohit’s explosive knock remains unparalleled in Indian cricket, further cementing his reputation as one of the most feared openers in world cricket when he’s in full flow.
