Top 4 Fastest Batters To 3500 T20I Runs

image-lrbn6kiwVirat Kohli (L) and Babar Azam (R). (X.com)

Such is the nature of the T20 format that batters cannot afford to take a lot of time before going after the bowlers. This format stands out as the most popular among the new generation of fans, witnessing batters score the bulk of runs with boundaries, and even a short cameo gives them goosebumps. T20 cricket involves a totally different skill set compared to the other two formats, demanding a lot from the player in a short span of time. However, some performers like to take up the challenge and excel every time. The shorter the format, the more entertaining it has become for the new-age spectators. 

It is safe to say that batters have dominated it a lot, especially since the 2016 T20 World Cup. Teams are scoring 200-plus totals for fun, and these are being chased as well. Scoring hundreds in T20Is is not at all difficult for modern-day batters. Phil Salt scoring hundreds in two consecutive T20I matches in the West Indies last year is an example of how batters have elevated their game to the next level just to score big and score quickly.

In this dynamic format, the ability to accumulate runs swiftly is a testament to a batter's skill and adaptability. One milestone showcasing a player's consistent dominance is reaching a particular milestone quickly in T20Is, be it 1000, 2000, or 3000 runs—a feat achieved by only a select few. In this article, we focus on one such feat of 3500 runs. Only four batters—Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Babar Azam, and Martin Guptill—have achieved this feat, but who’s the quickest to do it? Let’s find out.

Virat Kohli (96 Innings)

image-lrbn7n08Virat Kohli. (X.com)

One of the finest all-format batters of all time, Virat Kohli stands as a true monarch, exhibiting a mastery of the format that places him at the pinnacle of all batting records. While his forte primarily lies in the limited-overs arena, Kohli's T20 exploits mirror the prowess that has earned him the title of the cricket king. Notably, he reigns supreme as the highest run-scorer in T20ls, a testament to his unparalleled skill and consistency across formats.

Having made his T20I debut in June 2010, Kohli has etched his name in cricketing history as the fastest batter in the world to reach 3500 T20I runs, accomplishing this milestone in just 96 innings. Furthermore, he remains the sole player to date who has breached the 4000-run mark in T20ls. Within this remarkable journey, Kohli has crafted 37 half-centuries and one century, showcasing his ability to navigate the challenges of T20 cricket with a commendable strike rate of 137.97.

Babar Azam (99 Innings)

image-lrbn81uuBabar Azam. (X.com)

Currently dominating the cricketing scene and hailed as Pakistan's key asset in their evolving cricket history, Babar Azam stands as a preeminent force among T20 batters. Hailing from Lahore, the right-handed maestro made his T20 debut in September 2016 against England in Manchester, swiftly establishing himself as the team's linchpin across formats. Babar Azam's impact transcends boundaries, setting numerous significant records and elevating the performance standards for his fellow batters.

It required only 99 innings since his debut for the prolific run-scorer to score 3500 runs in T20 cricket. Within this feat, Babar Azam has notched up three centuries and 31 half-centuries, showcasing his consistent brilliance at the crease and solidifying his status as one of the premier T20 batters in the cricketing arena.

Martin Guptill (118 innings)

image-lrbn8nb8Martin Guptill. (X.com)

Following in the footsteps of Brendon McCullum, Martin Guptill emerged as a formidable New Zealand opener, showcasing exceptional prowess in the T20 format and swiftly becoming one of the fastest cricketers to reach 2000 runs. His T20I journey commenced in 2009, during the widespread popularity of the format, and Guptill effortlessly claimed the opening position, amassing runs prolifically. Guptill scored his 3500th run in the 118th innings. The Kiwi batter not only secured his status as a prominent batter but also stands as one of the leading hitters of sixes in T20Is.

His overall T20I record reflects an impressive tally of 3531 runs in 118 innings, boasting a commendable strike rate of 135.70. Accompanied by two centuries and 20 half-centuries, Guptill's impactful contributions have left an indelible mark on the T20 landscape. Despite his past achievements, it appears that New Zealand cricket has moved beyond his services, signaling an end to his T20I appearances for the Black Caps.

Rohit Sharma (126 innings)

image-lrbn98kyRohit Sharma. (X.com)

Widely regarded as one of the most reliable players in international cricket and among the finest batters to grace the sport, Rohit Sharma has showcased a masterclass in T20 cricket. Debuting in T20Is during the 2007 World Cup, Rohit experienced fluctuations before firmly establishing himself in the Indian squad a few years later. 

Once he secured a stable opening position, Rohit became the team's indispensable batter in T20 cricket. Distinguishing himself, he holds the unique record of scoring four centuries in T20I cricket, achieving this milestone in 126 innings, albeit at a slower pace compared to the other three batters. In total, Rohit has amassed 3853 runs in 141 innings, boasting a strike rate of 139.15, featuring four centuries and 29 fifties.