Where runs flow like a river and boundaries light up the night
In Cricket, India and England is a duel of wits, flair, and firepower. This ongoing five-match T20I series between these two cricketing behemoths is no exception. India has grabbed a dominating 2-0 lead, putting Jos Buttler’s team under enormous strain to keep up. While England’s big hitters have failed to rediscover their form, Indian spinners have dominated proceedings.
As the action moves to Rajkot for the third T20I, spectators can expect fireworks on a ground that is frequently a batter’s dream. Over the years, Rajkot has witnessed some fantastic batting performances in T20Is. Let’s take a look back at the best five innings by Indian batters at this stadium.
There are centuries, and then there’s Suryakumar centuries. In January 2023, Sri Lanka’s bowlers were reduced to mere spectators as SKY lit up Rajkot with an unbeaten 112 off only 51 balls. Not only did he score runs, but he did it with daring. Extra cover, inside-out? Check. Ramps over the fine leg? Check. Whipping the ball to the stands with just his wrists? Oh, sure.
India scored a staggering 228/5, owing to Suryakumar’s brilliance. The Sri Lankan bowlers had no answers as India strolled to a 91-run win. This innings was more than a knock; it exemplified modern T20 batting.
Rohit Sharma, India’s former T20I captain, celebrated his 100th T20I against Bangladesh with a scorching 85 off 43 balls. Chasing 154, India needed a good start, and Rohit delivered with a knock that was nothing short of easy. Rohit made batting appear absurdly simple by drawing pacers with power and lofting spinners into the gallery.
India chased down their target with 26 balls to spare, and the Hitman demonstrated once more why he is one of the best T20 players in history.
Back in 2013, when Australia set India a challenging target of 202, Yuvraj Singh, the stylish lefty, stunned the world with a spectacular 77 not out off just 35 balls. It was a knock filled with eight fours and five soaring sixes.
Yuvraj’s shots got the fans cheering, and his attack left the Australians stunned. India chased down the target with two balls remaining, and Rajkot witnessed a vintage Yuvi knock that reminded everyone of his destructive best.
As Virat Kohli’s 65 against New Zealand in 2017 demonstrated, great innings do not always produce victory. Chasing 197, Kohli battled alone as wickets dropped all around him. His knock was full of style and technique, with cover drives, flicks, and the occasional six to keep the pursuit going.
While India ultimately lost by 40 runs, Kohli’s innings served as a reminder of his quality and calm, even in defeat.
5⃣0⃣ for @DineshKarthik! 👏 👏
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 17, 2022
A cracking knock this is as he brings up a 26-ball half-century. 👌 👌
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Dinesh Karthik waited 16 years and 36 T20Is to score his maiden half-century in the format, but the wait was well worth it. Karthik scored 55 runs off 27 balls against South Africa in 2022, powering India to 169/6.
His innings, which featured precise touches and powerful drives, guided India to an 82-run victory. It wasn’t just about the runs; Karthik’s timing and calmness were crucial when it counted the most.
