Top 5 Highest Partnerships in Men's T20I for India

India's journey in T20 International cricket has witnessed some memorable moments, especially when it comes to partnerships. These collaborations have not only showcased the talent and teamwork of Indian players but have also resulted in record-breaking performances. In this article, we will delve into the top five highest partnerships in men's T20I for India, highlighting the remarkable achievements of players like Rohit Sharma and Rinku Singh.

1. Rohit Sharma and Rinku Singh - The Unbeatable Duo - 190* Runs (2024)

The recent clash between India and Afghanistan saw Rohit Sharma and Rinku Singh etch their names into the history books. The match, held on a challenging surface at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, seemed to be slipping away from India's grasp as they found themselves at 22/4 within the first 4.3 overs. However, Rohit and Rinku's extraordinary partnership turned the game on its head.

Struggling to find his timing initially, Rohit remained undeterred and continued his quest for runs amidst a crumbling batting order. Rinku joined him during the powerplay, adopting a cautious approach. As the game progressed, both batsmen unleashed their attacking prowess, leaving the Afghan bowlers helpless.

The 10-over mark witnessed India at 61/4, and from there, the pair unleashed a barrage of boundaries. In the last 60 balls, they amassed a staggering 151 runs, with Rohit becoming the first-ever player to score five T20I hundreds in the process. The Bengaluru crowd was treated to a display of power-hitting as the duo combined for 14 sixes.

Their unbeaten partnership of 190 runs off just 93 balls not only secured victory for India but also etched their names into the record books. It stands as the highest fifth-wicket partnership in T20I history among full members, showcasing their ability to rescue a struggling team.

2. Sanju Samson and Deepak Hooda - A Dominating Display - 176 Runs (2022)

Another explosive partnership for India came from the dynamic duo of Sanju Samson and Deepak Hooda during a T20I against Ireland in June 2022. When Ishan Kishan fell early in the third over, Samson and Hooda took charge and orchestrated a match-winning collaboration of 176 runs.

Once they found their rhythm, boundaries and sixes rained down as Samson and Hooda showcased their ability to clear the ropes with ease. Samson reached his maiden T20I half-century in the 13th over, while Hooda raced to his fifty in just 27 balls.

With a strike rate of around 183, both batsmen tormented the Irish bowlers and cemented their place in the annals of T20I history. Their partnership propelled India to a commanding victory, winning the game by a margin of four runs.

3. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul - A Batting Extravaganza - 165 Runs (2017)

A surreal display of power-hitting unfolded during the second T20I between India and Sri Lanka in Indore. Rohit Sharma, known for his ability to dismantle bowling attacks, unleashed his destructive skills alongside KL Rahul, resulting in a historic partnership of 165 runs.

India, aiming for a series win, elected to bat first. Rohit and Rahul, the opening pair, took to the field with a vengeance. Both batsmen came out all guns blazing on the batting-friendly Indore pitch, leaving the Sri Lankan bowlers helpless.

Rohit, in particular, batted at an astonishing strike rate of 274.42, reaching his century in just 35 balls - a joint-fastest by any full-member team player in T20Is. Rahul, on the other hand, smashed boundaries at will, contributing five fours and eight sixes to the partnership.

Their combined effort of 207 runs in only 92 balls established the highest opening stand for India in T20 internationals, leaving a lasting impact on the record books.

4. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill - Emerging Talents Shine - 165 Runs (2023)

In 2023, two of India's brightest young talents, Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, showcased their potential during a T20I against the West Indies in Lauderhill, Florida. Tasked with chasing 179, the duo not only achieved the target but did so with three overs to spare.

Jaiswal set the tone right from the beginning, striking a boundary off the very first ball. Gill, coming out of a lean patch in the format, adopted a more cautious approach. The openers gradually accelerated the run rate, reaching their respective half-centuries in the 11th over.

The West Indies bowlers struggled to find answers as Jaiswal and Gill piled on the runs. The duo's partnership of 165 runs for the opening wicket came to an end when Gill was dismissed for a well-earned 77. Jaiswal remained unbeaten on 84, with 11 fours and three maximums to his name.

Their remarkable collaboration helped India secure a crucial victory, showcasing the emerging talent in Indian cricket.

5. Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma - A Fiery Start - 160 Runs (2018)

In 2018, before embarking on their two-month tour to England, India faced Ireland in a two-game T20I series in Dublin. Led by skipper Virat Kohli, India unleashed their strongest XI against the Irish team, resulting in a scintillating display of batting prowess.

During the first T20I, openers Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma provided India with a blazing start. While Rohit took his time to settle in, Dhawan announced his arrival from the very beginning. The duo combined to form a formidable partnership, reaching a century within the first 11 overs.

Both batsmen displayed their power-hitting abilities, each hitting five sixes during their innings. Dhawan amassed an impressive 74 runs, while Rohit fell agonizingly short of a century, dismissed for 97 in the final over. Their partnership propelled India to a massive total of 208-5.

The Indian bowlers, led by Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav, spun a web around the Irish batters, leading to a convincing victory for India by a margin of 76 runs.

Conclusion

The top five highest partnerships in men's T20I for India have witnessed moments of brilliance and power-hitting that have left an indelible mark on the cricketing world. From Rohit Sharma's record-breaking centuries to the emergence of young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, these partnerships embody the spirit of teamwork and resilience.

As Indian cricket continues to produce exceptional talents, the potential for new record-breaking partnerships remains ever-present. The future holds the promise of witnessing more epic collaborations on the field, leaving fans in awe and etching new names into the record books.