Cricket’s shortest format, T20 Internationals, has witnessed some incredible batting displays, and three names that stand out prominently on the list of centurions are Rohit Sharma , Suryakumar Yadav and Glenn Maxwell. These dynamic players have not only etched their names in the record books but have also left fans in awe with their explosive performances.
Rohit Sharma: The Trailblazer with Five Centuries
India’s cricket team captain, Rohit Sharma, stands as the trailblazer in T20I cricket, being the first player to achieve the milestone of five centuries. Rohit’s T20I century journey began in Dharamsala in 2015 against South Africa, where he scored 106 off 66 balls. Despite his stellar innings, India faced defeat. He continued his century spree with a brilliant 118 against Sri Lanka in Indore in 2017.
In 2018, Rohit added two more centuries to his name – a magnificent 100* against England in Bristol and a powerful 111* versus West Indies in Lucknow. His latest T20I hundred came against Afghanistan on January 17, 2024, where he played a stellar inning of 121* in 69 balls, featuring 11 fours and 8 sixes, at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.
Suryakumar Yadav: A Rapid Rise to Centurion Status
Suryakumar Yadav has stamped his authority on T20I cricket since his debut against England in 2021. The Mumbai batsman made a remarkable impact, scoring four centuries in a relatively short span. His first two T20I tons came in 2022, with a scintillating knock of 117 runs from 55 balls against England in Nottingham.
He followed it up with another century, a dazzling 111 off 51 balls against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui in November. Yadav’s third century came against Sri Lanka in January 2023, where he played a sensational inning of 112 runs off just 51 balls. The latest addition to his century collection was a blazing 56-ball 100 against South Africa in December 2023.
Glenn Maxwell: The Big Show’s T20I Mastery
Known as “The Big Show,” Glenn Maxwell shares the record for the most T20I centuries with four remarkable tons to his name. His first came in 2016 during Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka, where he unleashed a breathtaking unbeaten 145 off just 65 balls in Pallekele. Maxwell’s second T20I hundred (103*) was against arch-rivals England in Hobart in 2018.
The flamboyant batter continued his century spree against India, scoring 113* in Bangalore in 2019, and his latest century (104*) was a memorable one in Guwahati in 2023, coinciding with his 100th T20I match.
In conclusion,Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and Glenn Maxwell have not only showcased their batting skills but have also redefined the standards of excellence in T20I cricket with their extraordinary centuries, leaving an indelible mark on the cricketing world.