Reliving three unforgettable T20I centuries against England as India gears up for an electrifying New Year series
The cricketing schedule for the new year begins with an exciting clash. India, still reeling from previous Test series defeats, will welcome England for a five-match T20I and three-match ODI series starting on January 22 in Kolkata. With Jos Buttler’s team aiming to stamp their influence ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in PAK, this series promises to be explosive.
But as the two teams prepare for this clash, let us look back in time to honour three Indian batters who achieved the uncommon glory of smashing hundreds against England in T20Is. These innings were not just statistical wonders but also showcases of timing, power, and cricketing creativity.
Suryakumar Yadav’s century at Trent Bridge was the cricketing equivalent of a magician plucking rabbits from a hat. Surya arrived with India in danger after chasing a daunting 216. What ensued was an innings that revolutionised T20 batting.
The Mumbai lad combined grace and aggression to score 117 runs off only 55 balls. With 14 boundaries and six soaring sixes, his strike rate 212.72 astounded the spectators. England’s bowlers, from Moeen Ali to Reece Topley, attempted every trick in the book but could not stop Surya’s bold strokeplay.
Suryakumar’s performance provided a ray of hope, but India fell 17 runs short. Not only was the knock brilliant, but it also showed Surya’s ability to demolish world-class bowling attacks on his own.
Old Trafford, Manchester. A pleasant July evening. Enter KL Rahul, India’s elegant opener, who scored an unbeaten 101 off 54 balls, making the chase of 160 a routine formality.
Rahul’s innings was a showcase of grace and efficiency. He demolished England’s onslaught with ten boundaries and five sixes, weaving the gaps with surgical perfection. What made his hit even more spectacular was the context: India needed a great start, and Rahul delivered just that.
Kuldeep Yadav had already weaved a web around England earlier in the day, getting 5 for 24. Rahul ensured no snags were in the chase, leading India to an easy eight-wicket victory with 10 balls remaining. His century was not merely an example of his skill but also a statement of purpose regarding Indian domination in limited-overs cricket.
If KL Rahul’s knock exemplified grace, Rohit Sharma’s century in Bristol was unadulterated mayhem. Chasing a difficult 199, Rohit made it seem easy with an unbeaten 100 off 56 balls.
Rohit’s timing has always been his strongest suit; it was on the show today. Eleven boundaries and five sixes flew off his bat as he dictated conditions to England’s bowlers. Hardik Pandya’s late cameo (33 off 14) added excitement, but Rohit’s century stole the stage.
The hunt was not without its hurdles. India eventually lost Virat Kohli, and the needed rate began to rise. However, with Rohit at the crease, panic was never an option. His ability to locate holes, clear ropes, and keep the scoreboard ticking meant India triumphed with more than an over to spare.
