India T20 Cricket Team

The India national cricket team has a storied history in the T20I format, marked by remarkable achievements and standout performances from several legendary players. Their journey in T20 internationals began with a bang, as they clinched the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 title in 2007 under the leadership of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. This victory not only established India's dominance in the shortest format but also marked the emergence of a new breed of cricketers, such as Yuvraj Singh, Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh.

On June 29, 2024, India once again etched their name in the annals of cricketing glory by lifting their second T20 World Cup title. This triumph under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma was particularly significant as it ended a long-standing drought of ICC trophies since 2013. The 2024 T20 World Cup victory was also a sentimental moment, as it marked the swan song for Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja in the T20Is.

After lifting the second T20 World Cup trophy, India led by Shubman Gill travelled to Zimbabwe for a five-match T20I series, which included many young guns like Abhishek Sharma, Riyan Parag and Rinku Singh. In the first match of the series, India were stunned by Zimbabwe but bounced back in the remaining matches to win the series 4-1.

Suryakumar Yadav has been confirmed as the new T20I captain for the India national cricket team, and his first challenge as captain will be the three T20Is against the Sri Lanka national cricket team from July 27 to August 7. This series is also the first assignment for India's new coach, Gautam Gambhir, as the team looks to build towards the 2026 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

One of the most memorable team performances came in December 2017, when India posted their highest T20I total of 260 for 5 against Sri Lanka, featuring a record 21 sixes in an innings. Another notable record is their massive 168-run victory over New Zealand in February 2023, which remains the largest win margin among Test-playing nations​​.

Several Indian players have left an indelible mark on T20I cricket. Virat Kohli, with 4188 runs at an average of 48.69, is the second leading run-scorer in the T20I format. His 38 half-centuries are also the most by any player in this format. Rohit Sharma, known for his explosive batting, shares the record for the most T20I centuries, with five to his name. He too had smashed a 35-ball ton against Sri Lanka in 2017. With 4231 runs, Rohit is the leading run-scorer in the T20Is. Yuvraj Singh's blistering 12-ball fifty against England in the 2007 T20 World Cup remains the fastest in T20I history​​.

India's dominance is further highlighted by their impressive head-to-head records against various teams. They have a 100 per cent win record against Afghanistan and Ireland, they also boast high winning percentages against major cricketing nations such as Australia, Pakistan and South Africa. Additionally, India had a 12-match winning streak between November 2021 and February 2022.

The 2024 T20 World Cup win was not just a sporting achievement but also an emotional closure for many fans, as it signalled the end of an era with the retirement of icons like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from T20Is. Under Rohit's leadership, India not only clinched the title but also set new benchmarks in team performance and individual brilliance. This victory was a fitting tribute to the contributions of these cricketing legends and a promising prelude to the future of the T20 India cricket team.

The India national cricket team has continually proven its mettle in T20 internationals through a blend of experienced leadership, emerging talent and record-breaking performances. As the team transitions into a new phase, the legacy of its past achievements, highlighted by the T20 World Cup victories in 2007 and 2024, will undoubtedly inspire future generations in the coming years. With rising stars ready to take up the mantle, the future looks bright for the India Team T20, promising more thrilling moments and historic milestones.