Top 5 knocks in T20 World Cup by Indian players
Yuvraj Singh, Rohit Sharma, and Viral Kohli have left an inedible mark in the shortest format of cricket, especially the T20 World Cup. All three have won the World Cup. Singh retired from the format on June 10, 2019, while Sharma and Kohli recently retired on the backdrop of the successful campaign at the 2024 T20 World Cup. Some of the trio’s performances in the T20 World Cups have been instrumental in securing victories for India and left an indelible mark on the tournament’s history. Let’s look at 5 of the best T20 World Cup knocks by Indian Cricket, which is filled with knocks by Singh, Sharma, and Kohli.
Top 5 knocks in T20 World Cup by Indian players
1. Yuvraj Singh vs England, 2007
The inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 is forever etched in the memory of cricket fans, thanks to Yuvraj Singh’s explosive knock against England. Yuvraj Singh unleashed a storm in a Group E match, scoring 58 runs off just 16 balls. This iconic inning featured six consecutive sixes off Stuart Broad’s over, making Yuvraj the first T20 international player to achieve this feat. His blistering knock propelled India to a formidable total of 218/4, ultimately leading to an 18-run victory over England. Yuvraj’s innings showcased his power-hitting ability and his knack for turning the game in India’s favor under pressure.
2. Yuvraj Singh vs Australia, 2007
Yuvraj Singh delivered another masterclass in the semi-final against Australia while continuing his stellar form in the same tournament. Batting first, India needed a strong foundation to post a challenging total. Yuvraj rose to the occasion with a scintillating 70 off 30 balls. His innings included five fours and five sixes, one of which was a monstrous 119-meter hit. Yuvraj’s aggressive batting dismantled the Australian bowling attack and helped India set a target of 188. India eventually won the match by 15 runs, securing a spot in the final. Yuvraj’s back-to-back impactful performances were crucial in India’s victorious 2007 T20 World Cup campaign.
3. Virat Kohli vs Australia, 2016
In the 2016 T20 World Cup, Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 82 off 51 balls against Australia in the group stage is often regarded as one of the greatest T20 innings ever. Chasing a target of 161 in a virtual quarter-final, India was in a precarious position. Kohli anchored the innings with remarkable composure, running between the wickets efficiently and punishing loose deliveries. His partnership with MS Dhoni in the final overs ensured India reached the target with five balls to spare. Kohli’s innings were a perfect blend of aggression and precision, exemplifying his prowess as a chase master.
4. Virat Kohli vs Pakistan, 2022
Virat Kohli’s knock against Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup is another memorable performance. Chasing 160, India was struggling at 31/4 when Kohli took charge. His unbeaten 77 off 53 balls was a masterclass in handling pressure and constructing a chase. Kohli’s innings included eight fours and two sixes, and his ability to rotate the strike and find boundaries at crucial moments kept India in the hunt. His calm demeanor and exceptional skill under pressure guided India to a dramatic last-ball victory, reaffirming his status as one of the greatest chasers in the game’s history.
5. Rohit Sharma vs Australia, 2024
In the 2024 T20 World Cup, Rohit Sharma’s explosive 92 off 41 balls against Australia in the Super Eight stage was a defining moment for India. Facing a formidable Australian bowling attack and challenging conditions at the Daren Sammy Stadium in St. Lucia, Rohit’s innings were a masterclass in adaptability and aggression. He countered the strong breeze and strategic bowling with intelligent shot selection, opening up all sides of the field. His knock included seven fours and eight sixes, propelling India to a total that secured their spot in the semi-finals. Rohit’s ability to assess the conditions and respond with a powerful yet calculated innings highlighted his experience and skill as a top-order batsman.
