T20I debut -Top 3 highest individual scores by Indian players

Here is a look at India’s top-three run scorers in their debut T20I, who proved crucial for the success of the Men in Blue against tough opposition.

1. 61– Ajinkya Rahane vs England in Manchester in 2011\

India’s star batter Ajinkya Rahane earned his nation’s debut against England in a T20 international at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester. Notably, on August 31, 2011, the Mumbai-born batsman struck a half-century in this game (61 of 49), while hammering eight fours against an England attack that featured Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, and Tim Bresnan. Later, the England team chased down the target of 165 runs posted by the visitors with three balls to spare.

2. 56 – Ishan Kishan vs England in Ahmedabad in 2021

Notably, on March 14, 2011, Indian star opener Ishan Kishan smashed a half-century on his first appearance for India, which made that moment even more unique. The Ranchi-born batter is only the second Indian batter to reach fifty on his T20I debut. The great cricketer Kishan scored fifty runs off 28 balls with consecutive sixes against leg-spinner Adil Rashid. During that match, Eoin Morgan’s England side posted a score of 164/6 in the given 20 overs. Later, while chasing, Virat Kohli’s Indian side achieved that target with 13 balls to spare. Following that, the 24-year-old batter was named player of the match.

3. 48 – Murali Vijay vs Afghanistan in Gros Islet in 2010

On May 1, 2010, former Indian cricketer Mulri Vijay made his T20I debut against Afghanistan. During that match, India captain MS Dhoni won the toss and invited the home team to bat first. After being put to bat, Afghanistan was only able to rack up 115/8 in the given 20 overs. Following that, India chased down the target comfortably with 31 balls to spare. Meanwhile, the legendary cricketer was the highest run scorer in this match as he smashed 48 runs from 46 balls, featuring two fours and three sixes, and helped India win this match by 7 wickets.