The top 5 best T20I scores by Indian captains feature stunning centuries and dominant performances, leading their teams to significant victories. These exceptional knocks have set high standards in T20 cricket, driving thrilling wins and record-breaking moments, underlining the captains’ impact on the team’s success in the format.
5. Virat Kohli – 94* vs West Indies, 2019
Virat Kohli’s highest score as India’s T20I captain came in 2019 during a match against the West Indies in Hyderabad. Chasing a target of 208, Kohli played a brilliant unbeaten knock of 94* off 50 balls. His innings included six fours and six sixes, anchoring the chase and leading India to victory with eight balls to spare. Kohli’s performance not only guided India to a comfortable win but also marked one of the best individual T20I innings by an Indian captain.
4. Suryakumar Yadav – 100 vs South Africa, 2023
During India’s tour of South Africa in 2023, captain Suryakumar Yadav played a scintillating knock in the Johannesburg T20I, scoring 100 runs off 56 balls. His innings, which featured seven fours and eight sixes, helped India post a total of 201. India won the match by a commanding 106-run margin, with Kuldeep Yadav’s five-wicket haul dismantling South Africa for just 97 runs.
3. Rohit Sharma – 111* vs West Indies, 2018
In November 2018, Rohit Sharma played a dazzling knock of 111* off 61 balls against the West Indies in Lucknow. His innings, which included 15 boundaries, powered India to a total of 195. The Indian bowlers successfully defended the target, with West Indies only managing 124. Rohit was awarded the Man of the Match for his explosive performance.
2. Rohit Sharma – 118 vs Sri Lanka, 2017
Rohit Sharma’s first T20I century as captain came in 2017 in Indore against Sri Lanka. Opening with KL Rahul, they put on a mammoth 165-run partnership. While Rahul fell after his fifty, Rohit went on to score 118 off 43 balls, including 12 fours and 10 sixes. His explosive knock helped India post a daunting total of 260 runs, and India secured an 88-run victory.
1. Rohit Sharma – 121* vs Afghanistan, 2023
Rohit Sharma’s third T20I century as India’s captain came against Afghanistan in Bengaluru in January 2023. After India struggled with 22/4, Sharma steadied the innings, smashing 121* off 69 balls, including 11 fours and 8 sixes. India posted 212, but the match became a thriller as it ended in a tie, followed by a tied Super Over. In the second Super Over, India clinched the win, showcasing Sharma’s resilience and leadership in a dramatic contest.