Abhishek Sharma overtakes Virat Kohli to join elite list of fastest 5000 T20 runs scored

Fastest 5000 T20 runs scored for India [Source: @sujeetsuman1991, @srhorangearmy, @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]

Reaching 5,000 runs in T20 cricket is a big milestone for any batter. The format moves fast, bowlers are always attacking, and consistency is hard to maintain. 

For Indian batters, this achievement shows not just talent but also longevity across leagues and international cricket. 

Recently, Abhishek Sharma completed his landmark with an explosive inning against New Zealand in the first T20I and joined the elite list.

On that note, here is a look at the fastest Indians to reach 5000 T20 runs, ranked by the number of innings taken. 

5. Virat Kohli - 167 innings

India’s modern-day great Virat Kohli reached 5000 T20 runs in 167 innings against Australia in Sydney on January 31, 2016. He might not be the fastest on this list, but his feat came during a time when T20 cricket was still finding its feet. 

He redefined T20 standards in India and set the standard for consistency in the format. And it is his fitness, focus, and hunger for runs that have kept him at the elite level for more than a decade.

4. Abhishek Sharma - 165 innings

Youngster Abhishek Sharma has now been included in this elite list for making 84 runs against New Zealand in Nagpur on January 21, 2026. He took 165 innings to reach this feat. Abhishek’s journey has been different from the others. 

He made his name as an aggressive all-rounder and later developed into a dangerous top-order batter. With his fearless approach to hitting the rope-boundary early on in the innings, he is the most exciting emerging talent to look out for.

3. Shubman Gill - 154 innings

Another promising talent, Shubman Gill, reached 5000 T20 runs in 154 innings against Delhi Capitals in Delhi on May 18, 2025. Gill has class and balance. While he started his career as a classical batter, he has gradually added power and range to his game. 

His improvement in strike rotation and boundary hitting has helped him succeed across formats, including T20s.

2. Ruturaj Gaikwad - 145 innings

CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad attained this feat in 145 innings during a match against Jammu and Kashmir at Eden Gardens on November 26, 2025. 

Gaikwad has a consistent or steady career graph instead of a rapid or explosive one. Since joining CSK, his career has blown up for the better. As captain now, Gaikwad is leading and scoring runs from the front.

1. KL Rahul - 143 innings

KL Rahul remains the fastest Indian to score 5000 runs in T20 cricket. He achieved that feat playing for Punjab Kings in a match against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai on April 21, 2021. Rahul has always been a cricketer with impeccable timing and a composed attitude. 

Whether he is playing at the top or in the middle-order, Rahul has shown the flexibility to change his game seamlessly. His ability to play long innings without slowing down has helped him stay ahead of others on this list.