Top 5 highest partnerships by India in T20I cricket

India are yet to register a partnership of above 200 runs in T20I cricket.

T20 cricket is known for its fast-paced nature, where quickfire knocks and explosive partnerships are invaluable. However, there are times when batters form long partnerships that completely shifts the momentum. Long partnership not only helps the batting teams post massive totals, but also it makes the recovery for the opponents almost impossible.

Current ICC Men’s T20 World Cup winners, India have showcased their immense power in batting department time and again. With an impressive mix of experienced batters and exciting youngsters, the Men in Blue have often showcased their ability to build monumental stands in the shortest format of the game.

In this article, we dive into the top five highest partnerships put up by Indian batters in T20I cricket, which has registered it’s place in the history books.

5. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill – 165 runs vs West Indies, Lauderhill, 2023

In the fourth T20I of India’s tour of West Indies in 2023, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill added 165 runs for the opening stand. West Indies posted 178/8 in their 20 overs, with key contributions from Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer.

India’s young opening duo, however, made quick work of the chase, as Jaiswal smashed an unbeaten 84 off 51 balls and Gill contributed 77 off 47 deliveries. The partnership was an exhibition of power hitting, featuring 12 fours and seven sixes, helping India secure a victory with 18 balls to spare. Jaiswal was named Player of The Match for his match-winning knock.

4. KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma – 165 runs vs Sri Lanka, Indore, 2017

KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma lit up the 2nd T20I against Sri Lanka in 2017 with an opening stand of 165 runs. Sri Lanka, having opted to bowl first, were blown away by Rohit’s blistering 118 off 43 balls. During this innings, Rohit achieved the remarkable feat of scoring the fastest T20I century by an Indian in just 35 balls. Rahul also played a key role, in the partnership scoring 89 off 49 balls.

This destructive partnership set India up for a commanding total of 260/5. Sri Lanka, in response, could only manage 172, handing India an 88-run victory.

3. Sanju Samson and Surya Kumar Yadav – 173 runs vs Bangladesh, Hyderabad, 2024

In the final T20I of Bangladesh’s tour of India in 2024, Sanju Samson and Surya Kumar Yadav joined forces for a mammoth 173-run partnership for the second wicket. Bangladesh, after being put into the field, started their bowling innings in an amazing fashion dismissing Indian opener Abhishek Sharma cheaply for the score of four. Samson, joined by Suryakumar, hammered his way to a 40-ball century, registering the second-fastest hundred by an Indian. Suryakumar contributed with valuable 75 off 35 balls.

The duo’s efforts were pivotal for India in posting a record-breaking total of 297, the highest total by a test-playing nation in T20I cricket. Bangladesh, in response, could only manage 164, handing India a massive 133-run win.

2. Deepak Hooda and Sanju Samson – 176 runs vs Ireland, Dublin, 2022

In 2022, during the second T20I against Ireland in Dublin, Deepak Hooda and Sanju Samson put up a massive 176-run stand for the second wicket. Hooda starred with a blistering century, scoring 104 off 57 balls, while Samson contributed with 77 off 42 balls.

Their partnership powered India to huge a total of 225/7. Ireland, in response, mounting a brave chase, fell short by a narrow margin of just four runs. Hooda’s knock earned him Player of the Match award.

1. Rohit Sharma and Rinku Singh – 190* runs vs Afghanistan, Bengaluru, 2024

Rohit Sharma and Rinku Singh hold the record for the highest partnership by an Indian duo in T20I cricket. In the final match of the bilateral series against Afghanistan in 2024, the pair combined for an unbeaten 190-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

After early blows from Afghanistan, India were under trouble with score reading 22/4, but Rohit’s 121 off 69 balls and Rinku’s 69 off 39 balls helped them recover and post a total of 212/4. The game saw an exciting ending with Afghanistan tying the game in their chase. The match went into two Super Overs to see India win the match later.

(All stats updated till 13th October, 2024)

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