Ishan Kishan matches Abhishek Sharma’s record for most centuries in SMAT history

Kaushik Kashyap

Ishan Kishan equals Abhishek Sharma record. [Source - @bccidomestic/x]Ishan Kishan equals Abhishek Sharma record. [Source - @bccidomestic/x]

The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy has long showcased India’s finest T20 batting talent. Across seasons, centuries have stood out as rare feats, highlighting dominance, consistency and the ability to win games singlehandedly in India’s premier domestic T20 tournament.

Over the years, only a handful of batters have repeatedly reached three figures in the competition. This listicle looks at the players with the top five most centuries in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy history.

2. Ruturaj Gaikwad - 3 centuries

Ruturaj Gaikwad began his T20 career in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy back in 2017 with Maharashtra, quickly establishing himself as a prolific run-scorer and a consistent batting force in India’s domestic circuit.

In 54 innings in the tournament, Gaikwad has amassed a total of 1864 runs, featuring three centuries, the fifth-highest tally in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy history.

2. Unmukt Chand - 3 centuries

Unmukt Chand, a talent that never quite reached its expected heights, was a dominant presence for Delhi in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, showcasing class, timing and authority at the top of the order.

In 51 innings, Chand amassed 1166 runs and struck three centuries, with two hundreds coming in the 2012-13 edition alone, underlining the immense future he once promised in the format.

2. Devdutt Padikkal - 3 centuries

Karnataka’s Devdutt Padikkal announced himself in style in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, delivering a sensational debut season that immediately marked him out as one of India’s most exciting young T20 batters.

During the 2019-20 edition, Padikkal smashed a record 580 runs in a single season. Overall, he has scored 1,518 runs in 39 innings with three centuries, placing him third on this list.

1. Ishan Kishan - 5 centuries

Ishan Kishan has been a consistent standout in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, with the Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batter shining in the tournament since his debut back in 2014.

Across seasons, Kishan has piled up 1977 runs in 62 innings at a blistering strike rate of 146.55, striking five centuries, the joint most in tournament history, with his latest hundred coming in the 2025 final against Haryana.

1. Abhishek Sharma - 5 centuries

Abhishek Sharma has been the face of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in recent years, using the tournament as a launchpad to shine in the IPL and later dominate for India in T20Is, where he now holds the No.1 ranking.

In 54 innings, the Punjab left-hander has amassed 1,853 runs and smashed five centuries which also includes a record-breaking 28-ball hundred that remains the joint fastest century in SMAT's history.