India began their five-match T20I series against West Indies in emphatic fashion, securing an eight-wicket victory at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Tuesday. After restricting the visitors to 171 in 19.1 overs, the hosts chased down the target with plenty to spare, reaching 172/2 in just 14.4 overs.
The biggest highlight of the contest was India captain Shreyas Iyer’s sensational unbeaten century, as he produced a breathtaking 102 off 43 balls, including 10 fours and six sixes. His innings also placed him among an elite group of Indian captains to have scored a T20I hundred.
Top 3 Indian captains to score a T20I century
1. Rohit Sharma – Three centuries
Rohit Sharma remains comfortably ahead of his fellow Indian captains when it comes to T20I centuries. The former India skipper achieved the feat three times during his international career. His highest score as captain came against Afghanistan in Bengaluru in 2024, when he smashed an unbeaten 121. He had earlier registered 118 against Sri Lanka in Indore in 2017 before producing another unbeaten century, 111*, against the West Indies in Lucknow in 2018. Rohit’s remarkable consistency with the bat made him one of the most dangerous T20I leaders of his generation.
2. Suryakumar Yadav – One century
Suryakumar Yadav occupies the second spot on the list with one T20I century as India captain. He reached the milestone against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2023, scoring exactly 100 runs. Known for his innovative strokeplay and fearless approach, Suryakumar quickly established himself as one of India’s most dynamic T20 batters. His century in Johannesburg remains his standout hundred while leading the national side.
Also READ: Fans go wild as Shreyas Iyer smashes sensational century in India’s win over West Indies in 1st T20I
3. Shreyas Iyer – 102* vs West Indies
Iyer has now joined the exclusive club after his spectacular unbeaten 102 against the West Indies in Lucknow. What makes his achievement even more notable is that he became the only Indian captain to score a T20I century while chasing.
Before Iyer’s sensational effort, Virat Kohli held the record for the highest score by an Indian captain batting second in T20Is, with his unbeaten 94 against the same opponent in Hyderabad in 2019. Iyer comfortably surpassed that mark with his aggressive knock.
India had been reduced to 35/2 after losing Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson early, but Iyer took control of the chase. He formed an unbeaten 137-run partnership with Ishan Kishan, who contributed 37*, to complete a dominant victory.
Iyer to lead in challenging tour of New Zealand
Following his maiden T20I century, Iyer will look to carry his impressive momentum into India’s upcoming tour of New Zealand. He has been named captain for the five-match T20I series, placing him at the forefront of India’s short-format plans.
Iyer’s attacking leadership and current batting form will be crucial in what promises to be a demanding assignment away from home. India will also welcome the return of experienced swing bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who returns to the T20I setup after a four-year absence following an impressive 28-wicket IPL campaign.
The combination of Iyer’s leadership, emerging young talent and experienced campaigners such as Bhuvneshwar could mark an important phase in India’s evolving T20I blueprint.
Also READ: BCCI announce India’s T20I squad for New Zealand tour; Bhuvneshwar Kumar returns after 4 years
