Rohit Sharma Still Holds Record as Youngest Indian to Score T20I Fifty
Indian cricket has seen many young talents rise through the ranks and make their mark on the international stage. In the recent match between India and the West Indies, all eyes were on 20-year-old Tilak Varma, who dazzled everyone with his imperious batting and made his maiden T20I fifty. While fans wondered if Varma was the youngest Indian cricketer to achieve this feat, it is worth noting that current Indian skipper Rohit Sharma still holds the record as the youngest Indian to score a T20I fifty, achieving this milestone back in 2007.
During the first T20 World Cup in 2007, India found themselves in trouble after losing three wickets for just 33 runs. It was then that Rohit Sharma, in his debut T20 international match, stepped up to the challenge. The young Mumbai batter displayed remarkable composure and skill and played an unbeaten innings of 50 runs off 40 balls. His contribution helped India set a total of 153 runs in the first innings. India went on to win the match by 37 runs, with Sharma rightfully earning the Player of the Match award for his exceptional debut batting performance.
In the recent match against the West Indies, Tilak Varma showed a similar level of maturity and poise. Coming in to bat after India lost two early wickets, the stylish left-hander played a calm and calculated innings, ensuring his side crossed the 150-run mark. Varma made a well-crafted 51 runs off 41 balls, showcasing his talent and potential.
While Varma’s achievement is impressive, it is important to acknowledge other Indian cricketers who have achieved the milestone of scoring a T20I fifty at a young age. Rishabh Pant, the explosive wicketkeeper-batsman, achieved this feat in just his seventh T20I innings. After making his debut in February 2017, Pant had to wait for over a year to notch up his maiden fifty. It was in a crucial match against a target of 182 runs that Pant, alongside veteran opener Shikhar Dhawan, delivered a phenomenal performance and stitched a 130-run partnership, ultimately leading India to victory.
Robin Uthappa is another name worth mentioning in this context. Similar to Rohit Sharma, Uthappa did not get a chance to bat in his debut T20I match against Scotland. However, he made up for it in his second T20I, scoring his maiden fifty in the 2007 T20 World Cup match against arch-rivals Pakistan. Uthappa’s valuable contribution helped India reach a total of 141 runs, ending the match in a tie.
Suresh Raina, considered one of the best T20I batters of all time, also completes the list as the fifth youngest Indian to score a T20I fifty. Making his T20 debut in 2006, Raina had to wait for three years to achieve this milestone. In a match where no other player crossed the 30-run mark, Raina’s unbeaten knock of 61 runs stood out, despite India losing the match by seven wickets.
It is important to celebrate these young talents who have made history at such a tender age. While Tilak Varma’s maiden fifty is a remarkable achievement, Rohit Sharma’s record as the youngest Indian to score a T20I fifty remains unbeaten. As these young cricketers continue to make strides in their careers, it will be interesting to see who will emerge as the next record-breaker in Indian cricket.
