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In the high-octane world of T20 cricket, milestones come thick and fast, but only a select few manage to etch their names into the record books with sheer consistency and flair. Among them, KL Rahul has often flown under the radar despite his prolific run-scoring ability. In the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Rahul once again proved his mettle, notching up over 400 runs in the season and, more importantly, surpassing a major landmark against the Gujarat Titans.
In a campaign full of ups and downs for Delhi Capitals, Rahul has been their standout performer, and his latest achievement-becoming the fastest Indian to 8000 T20 runs-cements his status as a modern T20 great.
Top 5 Indian players fastest to 8000 T20 runs
- KL Rahul
Rahul’s journey to the top tier of T20 batting has been marked by adaptability and elegance. Whether opening the innings or anchoring the middle order, Rahul’s ability to pace his innings and accelerate when needed has made him a prized asset in every team he’s represented. Against Gujarat Titans, Rahul crossed the 33-run mark to leapfrog Virat Kohli’s record, reaching 8000 T20 runs in just 224 innings-an astonishing feat that also makes him the third fastest in the world to this milestone. His consistency across formats and leagues, including stints with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kings XI Punjab, Lucknow Super Giants, and now Delhi Capitals, showcases a batter who thrives under pressure and adapts with remarkable ease.
- Virat Kohli
Kohli, a name synonymous with run-chases and big-match temperament, held the record for the fastest Indian to 8000 T20 runs until Rahul’s recent surge. Kohli achieved the milestone in 243 innings, setting a benchmark that seemed insurmountable for years. His T20 journey is a testament to unwavering determination and an insatiable hunger for runs, whether donning the Indian jersey or being the most valuable asset for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL. Kohli’s ability to anchor innings and finish games has inspired a generation of cricketers, and his presence in the list underscores his status as one of the greatest to play the format.
- Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan, known for his flamboyant strokeplay and infectious energy, occupies the third spot among Indians to reach 8000 T20 runs the fastest, achieving the feat in 277 innings. Dhawan’s T20 career has been built on explosive starts and consistency at the top, whether for India or in the IPL with franchises like Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad. His ability to dominate powerplays and lay solid foundations has made him a mainstay in T20 cricket, and his longevity in the format is a testament to his fitness and adaptability.
- Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina, one of the earliest T20 superstars from India, was the first Indian to breach the 8000-run mark in the format. Raina accomplished this in 284 innings, setting the template for aggressive, fearless batting in T20 cricket. His exploits for Chennai Super Kings and India in the shortest format have been crucial in shaping the team’s fortunes, especially in high-pressure situations. Raina’s quick running between the wickets and ability to clear the ropes made him a fan favourite and a trendsetter in Indian T20 cricket.
- Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma, fondly known as the ‘Hitman’, reached the 8000-run milestone in 294 innings, rounding off the top five among Indians. Renowned for his effortless six-hitting and calm demeanor, Rohit’s T20 career has been decorated with match-winning knocks and multiple IPL titles as captain of Mumbai Indians. His knack for rising to the occasion in crunch moments and his adaptability across batting positions make him one of the most complete T20 batters of his era.
