On Sunday, May 18, KL Rahul, en route to his brilliant century against Gujarat Titans, became the fastest Indian batter to reach 8000 runs in T20. Rahul became the sixth Indian batter to reach this milestone, and he did so in fewer innings than anyone else, breaking Virat Kohli's record. Check out the innings taken by Indian batters to reach 8k runs in the shortest format of the game.
From KL Rahul to Virat Kohli: The Quickest Indian Batters to Reach 8K Runs in T20
6. Suryakumar Yadav
Innings: 312
Suryakumar Yadav reached 8,000 T20 runs in 312 innings during an IPL 2025 match against Kolkata Knight Riders on March 31, 2025, scoring an unbeaten 27 off 9 balls. With 8,007 runs, six centuries, and 54 fifties at a 152.28 strike rate, he’s India’s most aggressive top-five run-scorer. As India’s T20I captain, Suryakumar’s innovative shots and consistency make him a modern T20 icon.
5. Rohit Sharma
Innings: 294
Rohit Sharma, the “Hitman,” reached 8,000 T20 runs in 294 innings. With 11,851 runs, eight centuries, and 78 fifties at a 30.70 average, his elegant six-hitting defined his T20 career. Leading India to the 2024 T20 World Cup and Mumbai Indians to multiple IPL titles, Sharma is one of the legends of this format.
4. Suresh Raina
Innings: 284
Suresh Raina, the first Indian to reach 8,000 T20 runs, did so in 284 innings, achieving the feat before his 2020 international and 2022 IPL retirement. Amassing 8,654 runs with four centuries and 53 fifties, Raina averaged 32.17. Known as “Mr. IPL,” his dynamic batting and electric fielding were pivotal for Chennai Super Kings’ multiple titles.
3. Shikhar Dhawan
Innings: 277
Shikhar Dhawan reached 8,000 T20 runs in 277 innings, securing the third-fastest Indian spot. Known for his flamboyant strokeplay, he amassed 9,797 runs with two centuries and 70 fifties, averaging 32.98. His 6769 IPL runs, including 51 fifties, reflect consistency.
2. Virat Kohli
Innings: 243
Virat Kohli reached 8,000 T20 runs in 243 innings, previously holding the record for the fastest Indian until surpassed by KL Rahul in 2025. Achieving this during IPL 2024 against Rajasthan Royals, Kohli’s 12,976 runs include nine centuries and 98 fifties, with a 41.58 average. Playing exclusively for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kohli’s consistency and adaptability make him India’s top T20 run-scorer.
1. KL Rahul
Innings: 224
KL Rahul became the fastest Indian to reach 8,000 T20 runs, achieving the milestone in 224 innings during an IPL 2025 match for Delhi Capitals against Gujarat Titans on May 18, 2025. His unbeaten 112 off 65 balls showcased his elegant strokeplay and consistency. Rahul, debuting in 2013, has six T20 centuries and 68 fifty-plus scores.
