Scoring a T20I century is a monumental achievement, especially given the relentless pressure to score quickly. Batters often face the dilemma of balancing team needs with personal milestones. Despite these challenges, some players manage to achieve this feat early in their careers, showcasing exceptional skill and composure under pressure.
The significance of T20I hundreds
Several players have distinguished themselves by scoring T20I centuries early in their careers. These innings not only underline their talent but also highlight their ability to adapt to the fast-paced nature of the game. Their achievements serve as inspiration, demonstrating that with skill and determination, even the shortest format of the game can witness remarkable individual milestones.
Also READ: Top 5 fastest centuries for India in T20Is
India’s Top 5 youngest centurions in T20Is:
5. KL Rahul – 24 years, 131 days (vs West Indies, 2016)
KL Rahul‘s first T20I century came against West Indies on August 27, 2016, in Lauderhill, Florida. India were chasing a mammoth target of 246 runs to win. Rahul’s innings was a spectacular display of aggressive batting, as he remained unbeaten on 110 off just 51 balls, including 12 fours and 5 sixes.
His century, which came at the age of 24 years and 131 days, was crucial in India’s pursuit of victory. Despite his heroic effort, India fell agonizingly short by just one run, finishing at 244/4 in their allotted 20 overs.
4. Abhishek Sharma – 23 years, 307 days (vs Zimbabwe, 2024)
Abhishek Sharma‘s blistering century against Zimbabwe on Sunday (July 7) in Harare marked a remarkable comeback after a disappointing debut. Playing in only his second T20I match, Abhishek showcased his immense talent by smashing 100 runs off just 46 balls at a staggering strike rate of 217.39.
His innings was highlighted by 7 fours and 8 sixes, including three consecutive sixes to bring up his century. This explosive knock, achieved at the age of 23 years and 307 days, powered India to a commanding total of 234/2 in their 20 overs and ultimately became a cause behind Men in Blue’s ultimate victory.
3. Suresh Raina – 23 years, 156 days (vs South Africa, 2010)
Suresh Raina became the first Indian cricketer to score a T20I century during the ICC T20 World Cup on May 2, 2010, against South Africa in Gros Islet, St Lucia. Raina’s innings of 101 runs off 60 balls, which included 9 fours and 5 sixes, was instrumental in India’s total of 186/5 in 20 overs.
At the age of 23 years and 156 days, Raina’s aggressive batting helped India secure a 14-run victory over South Africa, with his century still standing as the only one by an Indian player in the T20 World Cup history.
2. Shubman Gill – 23 years, 146 days (vs New Zealand, 2023)
Shubman Gill‘s maiden T20I century came against New Zealand on January 27, 2023, in Ahmedabad. Gill’s unbeaten innings of 126 runs off 63 balls, at a strike rate of 200, included 12 fours and 7 sixes.
His century, achieved at the age of 23 years and 146 days, propelled India to a massive total of 234/4. New Zealand, in response, crumbled for just 66 runs, handing India a resounding victory by 168 runs.
1. Yashasvi Jaiswal – 21 years, 279 days (vs Nepal, 2023)
Yashasvi Jaiswal made history on October 3, 2023, against Nepal in the Asian Games 2023 by becoming the youngest Indian cricketer to score a T20I century. At the age of 21 years and 279 days, Jaiswal’s whirlwind innings of 100 runs off 49 balls, comprising 8 fours and 7 sixes, was a testament to his explosive batting prowess. His century guided India to a total of 202/4 in their 20 overs. Despite Nepal’s valiant effort, they managed only 179/9, resulting in India’s victory by 23 runs.
