Sai Sudharsan overtakes Sachin Tendulkar among 9 fastest Indians to 2,000 T20 runs – who else is on the list?
The Gujarat Titans have been formidable this season and are rightly joint top of the Indian Premier League table, alongside the Mumbai Indians. The Titans’ success has been built around the incredible batting form of their top three batsmen – Jos Buttler, Shubman Gill, and youngster Sai Sudharsan.
In scoring 48 runs from 23 balls on Friday night on the way to beating SRH, Sudharsan brought up a significant milestone – he reached 2,000 T20 runs.
But he didn’t just reach a major milestone; he became the fastest ever Indian batsman to reach the milestone, and he did it by quite a considerable distance.
Here’s a quick look at the list of fastest Indian batsmen to reach 2,000 T20 runs.
9. Tilak Varma – 66 innings to 2,000 T20 runs
Tilak Varma’s rise in T20 cricket has been marked by his aggressive batting and ability to perform under pressure. Reaching 2,000 runs in 66 innings, Varma has become a vital cog in the Mumbai Indians’ lineup.
His left-handed batting provides balance to the team’s order, and his knack for playing match-winning innings has made him one of the most promising young talents in Indian cricket. He has scored 749 runs in T20I to go with his 1395 IPL runs.
8. Prashant Chopra – 66 innings to 2,000 T20 runs
Prashant Chopra’s consistent performances in domestic T20 tournaments have earned him a spot among the fastest Indians to reach 2,000 runs. Achieving this milestone in 66 innings, Chopra’s technique and temperament have been key to his success.
While he may not have the flamboyance of some of his contemporaries, his reliability and ability to anchor innings have made him a valuable player in the domestic circuit.
7. Rishabh Pant – 66 innings to 2,000 T20 runs
Rishabh Pant’s explosive batting and fearless approach have made him one of the most exciting talents in Indian cricket. Matching Raina’s record by reaching 2,000 T20 runs in 66 innings, Pant’s ability to change the course of a game in a few overs is unparalleled.
His unorthodox shots and aggressive mindset have redefined the role of a wicketkeeper-batsman in T20 cricket, making him a crucial player for both Delhi Capitals and the Indian national team.
6. Suresh Raina – 66 innings to 2,000 T20 runs
Suresh Raina, often referred to as ‘Mr. IPL,’ was one of the pioneers of aggressive batting in the T20 format for India. Reaching 2,000 runs in 66 innings, Raina’s contributions to the Chennai Super Kings and the Indian team were invaluable.
His ability to clear boundaries with ease and his sharp fielding made him a complete T20 package. Raina’s experience and leadership has also been instrumental in nurturing young talents in the teams he has represented.
5. Rajat Patidar – 61 innings to 2,000 T20 runs
Rajat Patidar’s journey to 2,000 T20 runs in 61 innings is a testament to his perseverance and skill. Often flying under the radar, Patidar has delivered crucial performances in domestic T20 tournaments, earning him recognition and opportunities at higher levels.
His composed batting and ability to handle pressure situations have made him a reliable middle-order batsman, capable of anchoring innings and accelerating when required.
4. Devdutt Padikkal – 61 innings to 2,000 T20 runs
Devdutt Padikkal burst onto the T20 scene with a series of impressive performances for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Reaching the 2,000-run mark in 61 innings, Padikkal’s aggressive approach and flair quickly made him a fan favourite.
His left-handed batting adds variety to the top order, and his ability to take on bowlers from the outset has been instrumental in setting up big totals for his team.
3. Ruturaj Gaikwad – 60 innings to 2,000 T20 runs
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s elegant stroke play and consistency have made him a mainstay in the Chennai Super Kings lineup. Reaching 2,000 T20 runs in 60 innings, Gaikwad showcased his ability to build innings and accelerate when needed.
His calm demeanour and technical proficiency have drawn comparisons to some of the greats, and he continues to be a vital asset for his team in IPL history and domestic circuits.
2. Sachin Tendulkar – 59 innings to 2,000 T20 runs
The ‘Little Master’ set the benchmark for Indian batsmen in T20 cricket by reaching 2,000 runs in 59 innings. Tendulkar’s adaptability and technique allowed him to transition seamlessly into the shortest format, and his record stood unchallenged for years.
His ability to anchor innings while maintaining a healthy strike rate made him a formidable opponent in T20 matches. Tendulkar’s legacy in the format paved the way for future generations of Indian batsmen to excel.
1. Sai Sudharsan – 54 innings to 2,000 T20 runs
Sai Sudharsan’s meteoric rise in T20 cricket reached a new height when he became the fastest Indian to reach 2,000 T20 runs, achieving the feat in just 54 innings. This remarkable accomplishment saw him surpass the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who had previously held the record at 59 innings.
Sudharsan’s consistent performances have been pivotal for the Gujarat Titans this season. His aggressive yet composed batting style alongside Jos Buttler and Shubman Gill has provided the team with explosive starts. In reaching this milestone, Sudharsan has firmly established himself as one of the brightest young talents in Indian cricket.
