<strong>Top 10 batsmen fastest to 1000 T20I runs:</strong> When T20 cricket first burst to the scene, it seemed that this was a format for only big hitting batsmen. Over the years, though, innovation &amp; improvisation have given us a plethora of batsmen who depend on pure stroke making over big hitting to score faster runs.

Below is a list of batsmen who are the fastest to 1000 International T20 runs. This list would probably strengthen my statement that T20 batting is equally divided between brute force and pure stroke making, one can not depend on simply one of those aspects for success in the long run. This aspect of the game truly makes it multi-dimensional and a treat to watch.

Here goes the list of <strong>Top 10 batsmen fastest to 1000 T20I runs:</strong>

<strong>10. </strong><strong>Kumar Sangakkara – Sri Lanka – 38 innings:</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/01/Kumar-.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-9470 size-full" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Kumar-.jpg" alt="Kumar Sangakkara. (Photo Source: ICC)" width="464" height="604" sizes="(max-width: 464px) 100vw, 464px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-9470" class="wp-caption-text">Kumar Sangakkara. (Photo Source: ICC)</figcaption>

Hardly will you see a list on batting where you won’t find the name of Kumar Sangakkara. Kumar, the poster boy of Sri Lankan cricket in the 21<sup>st</sup> century is 9<sup>th</sup> on this list. A natural stroke maker, he translated his ODI and Test form into T20 with ease. Averaging 32 at a strike rate of almost 120, Kumar played the anchor role around whom the whole team batted. He ended his celebrated T20I career with an emphatic fifty against India in the 2014 T20 WC finals.

Also Read &#8211; <strong><a href="http://goo.gl/JYXmWR" target="_blank">Top 10 Leading Run Scorers In T20 International Cricket</a></strong>

<strong>9. </strong><strong>David Warner – Australia – 37 innings:</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/01/David-Warnerr.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-9400 size-full" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/David-Warnerr.jpg" alt="(Photo Source : Getty Images) " width="495" height="346" sizes="(max-width: 495px) 100vw, 495px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-9400" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source : Getty Images)</figcaption>

This pocket dynamo from Australia is one of the most ferocious batsmen across formats. He is one of the few Aussies who made his T20I debut before playing a First Class game. He scored a brilliant 89 off 43 balls on debut, against a bowling attack that boasted of Makhaya Ntini and Dale Steyn. Warner from there has gone on to become a pure delight to watch because of the raw strength he brings to his batsmanship. With the T20 world cup nearing, Warner would be one of the batsmen, bowlers need to beware of.

<strong>8. </strong><strong>Shane Watson – Australia – 36 innings:</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/03/Shane-Watson-vs-Scotland-ICC-Cricket-World-Cup-2015.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-14021"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-14021" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Shane-Watson-vs-Scotland-ICC-Cricket-World-Cup-2015.jpg" alt="Shane Watson" width="594" height="416" sizes="(max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-14021" class="wp-caption-text">Shane Watson. (© Getty Images)</figcaption>

Shane Watson is arguably one of the most talented all-rounders in the Limited Overs format. One innings quicker than his former opening partner, Shane Watson has shown glimpses of pure genius. That genius somehow doesn’t show up in big games. In the finals of 2010 WT20 and the semis of 2012 WT20, Watson got out cheaply and ended up on the losing side. Watson recently retired from the Test arena and will be hoping to lengthen his career in the shorter formats of the game and redeem himself once again.

<strong>7. </strong><strong>Martin Guptill – New Zealand – 36 innings:</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/08/Martin-Guptill-New-Zealand-v-Zimbabwe.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-27746" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Martin-Guptill-New-Zealand-v-Zimbabwe.jpg" alt="Zimbabwe v New Zealand T20I" width="640" height="465" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-27746" class="wp-caption-text">Zimbabwe v New Zealand T20I statistical review. (Photo Source: AFP)</figcaption>

Martin Guptill’s career has largely been overshadowed due to his swashbuckling opening partner in Brendon McCullum. While McCullum has been the aggressor, Guptill has quietly done the scoring at his end. Scoring 1414 at an average of 32, Guptill has hardly put a wrong foot. Guptill has had brilliant 2015, emerging the top scorer in the World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand this year, where he set the stadium ablaze with his mammoth 237 vs the West Indies. He’d be hoping to carry his 2015’s form into 2016 and more importantly to the T20 World Cup to be held in India.

<strong>6. </strong><strong>Brendon McCullum – New Zealand – 35 innings:</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/03/New-Zealand-vs-Afg-ICC-Cricket-World-Cup-2015.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-13532 size-full" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/New-Zealand-vs-Afg-ICC-Cricket-World-Cup-2015.jpg" alt="Highest batting strike rates in a ODI innings" width="594" height="396" sizes="(max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-13532" class="wp-caption-text">Brendon McCullum. (© Getty Images)</figcaption>

If there were the Australian openers at No. 7 and 8, the Kiwi openers are a couple of steps ahead of their Trans-Tasmanian counterparts. Brendon McCullum, fondly called Baz, was probably born to play this format. His natural game moulds perfectly in this format and there is no surprise that he is also the highest run-getter in T20Is at 2140 runs, more than 500 runs ahead of the second spot. His intimidating style of stepping out of the crease and clobbering the bowler to all parts of the ground is a joy to watch. He is so fond of T20 that he averages 35.66 in T20Is while only 30.30 in 50 over cricket. Baz in the last few years has redefined T20 batting and let’s hope we get to see more of his innovations in the near future.

<strong>5. </strong><strong>Chris Gayle – West Indies – 34 innings:</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/05/Chris-Gayle-ODI.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-19872 size-full" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Chris-Gayle-ODI.jpg" alt="Players with most ducks" width="594" height="396" sizes="(max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-19872" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Gayle. (© Getty Images)</figcaption>

We are talking about T20 cricket and how can the Big Man from Jamaica be left out. Chris Gayle is the most destructive T20 batsman. While other batsmen depend on footwork and timing to get boundaries, Chris Gayle is all slam-bang, such is his might that even most of his miss hit shots travel for six. Stand and deliver was a term coined just for him. Having led the Windies to World T20 success in 2012 in Sri Lanka, one can only hope that Gayle would love to replicate that performance in his second home, India, where for years he has been destroying bowlers.

<strong>4. </strong><strong>Alex Hales – England – 32 innings:</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/08/Alex-Hales-eng.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-29265 size-full" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Alex-Hales-eng.jpg" alt="Alex Hales T20I Century" width="404" height="594" sizes="(max-width: 404px) 100vw, 404px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-29265" class="wp-caption-text">Alex Hales. (© Getty Images)</figcaption>

Alex Hales has this unassuming style of batting which takes the opposition by surprise. He has been a consistent scorer in the T20s in the English County scene. For years, he was considered a T20 specialist and only got opportunities in the T20 side, and the way he has grabbed those opportunities is awe-inspiring. Scoring heavily in the games he has played including a blistering century against Sri Lanka in the 2014 World T20. His T20 reveals have earned him a place in ODI and Test squads, it is to be seen how far this T20 specialist now goes.

<strong>3. </strong><strong>Kevin Pietersen – England – 32 innings:</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/09/Kevin-Pietersen-raises-his-bat-GettyImages-139272764.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-33026 size-full" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Kevin-Pietersen-raises-his-bat-GettyImages-139272764.jpg" alt="Kevin Pietersen" width="594" height="438" sizes="(max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-33026" class="wp-caption-text">Kevin Pietersen. (© LAKRUWAN WANNIARACHCHI/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption>

Easily the most controversial English cricketer of his generation, Kevin Pietersen was also the most stylish English batsman of his generation. His technique and adaptability with the conditions was astounding. His natural game was to attack, easily suitable for T20, where he was, until today the fastest to 1000 runs. His best came in the World T20 in West Indies, where his batting led England to their first and only ICC trophy. KP is now out of favour from the ECB and we all should just come to terms with the fact that we have seen the last of him in the International arena.

<strong>2. Faf du Plessis – South Africa &#8211; 32 innings:</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/03/Faf-du-Plessis.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-57097"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-57097" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Faf-du-Plessis.jpg" alt="Faf du Plessis" width="640" height="420" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-57097" class="wp-caption-text">South African batsman Faf du Plessis plays a shot during the first T20 cricket match against Australia at Kingsmead stadium on March 4, 2016 in Durban.<br>/ AFP / ANESH DEBIKY (Photo credit should read ANESH DEBIKY/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption>

<div data-reactroot=""><div class="_4tdt"><div class="_4tdv"><div class="_5wd4 _1nc7 direction_ltr"><div><div>The Proteas T20I skipper is the second fastest to reach 1000 runs milestone in the shortest format of the game. The cool &amp; calm top order batsman is a vital cog in the South African batting order. He is appreciated a lot for his versatile playing technique and has enjoyed a successful T20 career so far. Faf du Plessis played his 1st T20I against England at Chester-le-street in 2012. And, incidentally, the 31 year old right handed batsman reached 1000 career runs against the same opposition at Mumbai during the 2016 World T20.</div></div><div class="_3ry4"></div></div></div></div></div>

<strong>1. Virat Kohli – India – 27 innings:</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/10/Virat-Kohli-vs-SA-in-1st-T20.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-34764" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Virat-Kohli-vs-SA-in-1st-T20.jpg" alt="Virat Kohli vs SA i" width="640" height="431" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34764" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption>

I would be rather surprised if Virat Kohli doesn’t smash every batting record in the game. When he walks in to bat, he has only one thing on his mind, to score big runs. Kohli has this aura around himself which makes him stand out against his peers. He had a brilliant World T20 in 2014 and carried his form into the Finals, only to be denied a win by a defiant Sri Lanka. In 2016, he would be a man on a mission, looking to do away with the demons of 2014 and get his first World T20 title.

<strong>Also read: <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/top-pacers-from-each-country-in-odis-current-cricketers/" target="_blank">Top pacers from each country in ODIs (Current Cricketers)</a></strong>

<em><strong>(All stats updated till 23rd March 2016)</strong></em>

<p><strong>Top 10 batsmen fastest to 1000 T20I runs:</strong> When T20 cricket first&nbsp;burst&nbsp;to the scene, it seemed that this was a format for only big hitting batsmen.&nbsp;Over the years, though, innovation&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;improvisation have&nbsp;given us a plethora of batsmen who depend on pure stroke making over big hitting to score faster runs.</p>
<p>Below is a list of batsmen who are the fastest to 1000 International T20 runs. This list would probably strengthen my&nbsp;statement that T20 batting is equally divided between brute force and pure stroke making, one can not depend on simply one of those aspects for success in the long run. This aspect of the game truly makes it multi-dimensional and a treat to watch.</p>
<h5>Here goes the list of <strong>Top 10 batsmen fastest to 1000 T20I runs:</strong></h5>
<h4><strong>10.&nbsp;</strong><strong>Kumar Sangakkara – Sri Lanka – 38 innings:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_9470" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-9470" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/01/Kumar-.jpg"><amp-img class="wp-image-9470 size-full" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Kumar-.jpg" alt="Kumar Sangakkara. (Photo Source: ICC)" width="464" height="604" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-9470" class="wp-caption-text">Kumar Sangakkara. (Photo Source: ICC)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Hardly will you see a list on batting where you won’t find the name of Kumar Sangakkara. Kumar, the poster boy of Sri Lankan cricket in the 21<sup>st</sup> century is 9<sup>th</sup> on this list. A natural stroke maker, he translated his ODI and Test form into T20 with ease. Averaging 32 at a strike rate of almost 120, Kumar played the anchor role around whom the whole team batted. He ended his celebrated T20I career with an emphatic fifty against India in the 2014 T20 WC finals.</p>
<h3>Also Read – <strong><a href="http://goo.gl/JYXmWR" target="_blank">Top 10 Leading Run Scorers In T20 International Cricket</a></strong></h3>
<h4><strong>9. </strong><strong>David Warner – Australia – 37 innings:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_9400" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-9400" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/01/David-Warnerr.jpg"><amp-img class="wp-image-9400 size-full" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/David-Warnerr.jpg" alt="(Photo Source : Getty Images) " width="495" height="346" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-9400" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source : Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>This pocket dynamo from Australia is one of the most ferocious batsmen across formats. He is one of the few Aussies who made his T20I debut before playing a First Class game. He scored a brilliant 89 off 43 balls on debut, against a bowling attack that boasted of Makhaya Ntini and Dale Steyn. Warner from there has gone on to become a pure delight to watch because of the raw strength he brings to his batsmanship. With the T20 world cup nearing, Warner would be one of the batsmen, bowlers need to beware of.</p>
<p></p>
<h4><strong>8. </strong><strong>Shane Watson – Australia – 36 innings:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_14021" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-14021" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/03/Shane-Watson-vs-Scotland-ICC-Cricket-World-Cup-2015.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-14021"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-14021" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Shane-Watson-vs-Scotland-ICC-Cricket-World-Cup-2015.jpg" alt="Shane Watson" width="594" height="416" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-14021" class="wp-caption-text">Shane Watson. (© Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Shane Watson is arguably one of the most talented all-rounders in the Limited Overs format. One innings quicker than his former opening partner, Shane Watson has shown glimpses of pure genius. That genius somehow doesn’t show up in big games. In the finals of 2010 WT20 and the semis of 2012 WT20, Watson got out cheaply and ended up on the losing side. Watson recently retired from the Test arena and will be hoping to lengthen his career in the shorter formats of the game and redeem himself once again.</p>
<p></p>
<h4><strong>7. </strong><strong>Martin Guptill – New Zealand – 36 innings:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_27746" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-27746" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/08/Martin-Guptill-New-Zealand-v-Zimbabwe.jpg"><amp-img class="wp-image-27746" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Martin-Guptill-New-Zealand-v-Zimbabwe.jpg" alt="Zimbabwe v New Zealand T20I" width="640" height="465" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-27746" class="wp-caption-text">Zimbabwe v New Zealand T20I statistical review. (Photo Source: AFP)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Martin Guptill’s career has largely been overshadowed due to his swashbuckling opening partner in Brendon McCullum. While McCullum has been the aggressor, Guptill has quietly done the scoring at his end. Scoring 1414 at an average of 32, Guptill has hardly put a wrong foot. Guptill has had brilliant 2015, emerging the top scorer in the World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand this year, where he set the stadium ablaze with his mammoth 237 vs the West Indies. He’d be hoping to carry his 2015’s form into 2016 and more importantly to the T20 World Cup to be held in India.</p>
<p></p>
<h4><strong>6. </strong><strong>Brendon McCullum – New Zealand – 35 innings:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_13532" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-13532" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/03/New-Zealand-vs-Afg-ICC-Cricket-World-Cup-2015.jpg"><amp-img class="wp-image-13532 size-full" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/New-Zealand-vs-Afg-ICC-Cricket-World-Cup-2015.jpg" alt="Highest batting strike rates in a ODI innings" width="594" height="396" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-13532" class="wp-caption-text">Brendon McCullum. (© Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>If there were the Australian openers at No. 7 and 8, the Kiwi openers are a couple of steps ahead of their Trans-Tasmanian counterparts. Brendon McCullum, fondly called Baz, was probably born to play this format. His natural game moulds perfectly in this format and there is no surprise that he is also the highest run-getter in T20Is at 2140 runs, more than 500 runs ahead of the second spot. His intimidating style of stepping out of the crease and clobbering the bowler to all parts of the ground is a joy to watch. He is so fond of T20 that he averages 35.66 in T20Is while only 30.30 in 50 over cricket. Baz in the last few years has redefined T20 batting and let’s hope we get to see more of his innovations in the near future.</p>
<p></p>
<h4><strong>5. </strong><strong>Chris Gayle – West Indies – 34 innings:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_19872" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-19872" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/05/Chris-Gayle-ODI.jpg"><amp-img class="wp-image-19872 size-full" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Chris-Gayle-ODI.jpg" alt="Players with most ducks" width="594" height="396" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-19872" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Gayle. (© Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>We are talking about T20 cricket and how can the Big Man from Jamaica be left out. Chris Gayle is the most destructive T20 batsman. While other batsmen depend on footwork and timing to get boundaries, Chris Gayle is all slam-bang, such is his might that even most of his miss hit shots travel for six. Stand and deliver was a term coined just for him. Having led the Windies to World T20 success in 2012 in Sri Lanka, one can only hope that Gayle would love to replicate that performance in his second home, India, where for years he has been destroying bowlers.</p>
<p></p>
<h4><strong>4. </strong><strong>Alex Hales – England – 32 innings:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_29265" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-29265" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/08/Alex-Hales-eng.jpg"><amp-img class="wp-image-29265 size-full" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Alex-Hales-eng.jpg" alt="Alex Hales T20I Century" width="404" height="594" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-29265" class="wp-caption-text">Alex Hales. (© Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Alex Hales has this unassuming style of batting which takes the opposition by surprise. He has been a consistent scorer in the T20s in the English County scene. For years, he was considered a T20 specialist and only got opportunities in the T20 side, and the way he has grabbed those opportunities is awe-inspiring. Scoring heavily in the games he has played including a blistering century against Sri Lanka in the 2014 World T20. His T20 reveals have earned him a place in ODI and Test squads, it is to be seen how far this T20 specialist now goes.</p>
<p></p>
<h4><strong>3. </strong><strong>Kevin Pietersen – England – 32 innings:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_33026" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-33026" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/09/Kevin-Pietersen-raises-his-bat-GettyImages-139272764.jpg"><amp-img class="wp-image-33026 size-full" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Kevin-Pietersen-raises-his-bat-GettyImages-139272764.jpg" alt="Kevin Pietersen" width="594" height="438" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-33026" class="wp-caption-text">Kevin Pietersen. (© LAKRUWAN WANNIARACHCHI/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Easily the most controversial English cricketer of his generation, Kevin Pietersen was also the most stylish English batsman of his generation. His technique and adaptability with the conditions was astounding. His natural game was to attack, easily suitable for T20, where he was, until today the fastest to 1000 runs. His best came in the World T20 in West Indies, where his batting led England to their first and only ICC trophy. KP is now out of favour from the ECB and we all should just come to terms with the fact that we have seen the last of him in the International arena.</p>
<p></p>
<h4><strong>2.&nbsp;Faf du Plessis – South Africa – 32 innings:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_57097" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-57097" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/03/Faf-du-Plessis.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-57097"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-57097" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Faf-du-Plessis.jpg" alt="Faf du Plessis" width="640" height="420" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-57097" class="wp-caption-text">South African batsman Faf du Plessis plays a shot during the first T20 cricket match against Australia at Kingsmead stadium on March 4, 2016 in Durban.<br>/ AFP / ANESH DEBIKY (Photo credit should read ANESH DEBIKY/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
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<div>The Proteas T20I skipper is the second fastest to reach 1000 runs milestone in the shortest format of the game. The cool &amp; calm top order batsman is a vital cog in the South African batting order. He is appreciated a lot for his versatile playing technique and has enjoyed a successful T20 career so far. Faf du Plessis played his 1st T20I against England at Chester-le-street in 2012. And, incidentally, the 31 year old right handed batsman reached 1000 career runs against the same opposition at Mumbai during the 2016 World T20.</div>
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<p></p>
<h4><strong>1. Virat Kohli – India – 27 innings:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_34764" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34764" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/10/Virat-Kohli-vs-SA-in-1st-T20.jpg"><amp-img class="wp-image-34764" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Virat-Kohli-vs-SA-in-1st-T20.jpg" alt="Virat Kohli vs SA i" width="640" height="431" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34764" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>I would be rather surprised if Virat Kohli doesn’t smash every batting record in the game. When he walks in to bat, he has only one thing on his mind, to score big runs. Kohli has this aura around himself which makes him stand out against his peers. He had a brilliant World T20 in 2014 and carried his form into the Finals, only to be denied a win by a defiant Sri Lanka. In 2016, he would be a man on a mission, looking to do away with the demons of 2014 and get his first World T20 title.</p>
<h3><strong>Also read: <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/top-pacers-from-each-country-in-odis-current-cricketers/" target="_blank">Top pacers from each country in ODIs (Current Cricketers)</a></strong></h3>
<p><em><strong>(All stats updated till 23rd March 2016)</strong></em></p>

<p><strong>Top 10 batsmen fastest to 1000 T20I runs:</strong> When T20 cricket first burst to the scene, it seemed that this was a format for only big hitting batsmen. Over the years, though, innovation &amp; improvisation have given us a plethora of batsmen who depend on pure stroke making over big hitting to score faster runs.</p>
<p>Below is a list of batsmen who are the fastest to 1000 International T20 runs. This list would probably strengthen my statement that T20 batting is equally divided between brute force and pure stroke making, one can not depend on simply one of those aspects for success in the long run. This aspect of the game truly makes it multi-dimensional and a treat to watch.</p>
<h5>Here goes the list of <strong>Top 10 batsmen fastest to 1000 T20I runs:</strong></h5>
<h4><strong>10. </strong><strong>Kumar Sangakkara – Sri Lanka – 38 innings:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_9470" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-9470" style="width: 464px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/01/Kumar-.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-9470 size-full" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Kumar-.jpg" alt="Kumar Sangakkara. (Photo Source: ICC)" width="464" height="604" sizes="(max-width: 464px) 100vw, 464px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-9470" class="wp-caption-text">Kumar Sangakkara. (Photo Source: ICC)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Hardly will you see a list on batting where you won’t find the name of Kumar Sangakkara. Kumar, the poster boy of Sri Lankan cricket in the 21<sup>st</sup> century is 9<sup>th</sup> on this list. A natural stroke maker, he translated his ODI and Test form into T20 with ease. Averaging 32 at a strike rate of almost 120, Kumar played the anchor role around whom the whole team batted. He ended his celebrated T20I career with an emphatic fifty against India in the 2014 T20 WC finals.</p>
<h3>Also Read &#8211; <strong><a href="http://goo.gl/JYXmWR" target="_blank">Top 10 Leading Run Scorers In T20 International Cricket</a></strong></h3>
<h4><strong>9. </strong><strong>David Warner – Australia – 37 innings:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_9400" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-9400" style="width: 495px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/01/David-Warnerr.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-9400 size-full" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/David-Warnerr.jpg" alt="(Photo Source : Getty Images) " width="495" height="346" sizes="(max-width: 495px) 100vw, 495px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-9400" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source : Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>This pocket dynamo from Australia is one of the most ferocious batsmen across formats. He is one of the few Aussies who made his T20I debut before playing a First Class game. He scored a brilliant 89 off 43 balls on debut, against a bowling attack that boasted of Makhaya Ntini and Dale Steyn. Warner from there has gone on to become a pure delight to watch because of the raw strength he brings to his batsmanship. With the T20 world cup nearing, Warner would be one of the batsmen, bowlers need to beware of.</p>
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<h4><strong>8. </strong><strong>Shane Watson – Australia – 36 innings:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_14021" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-14021" style="width: 594px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/03/Shane-Watson-vs-Scotland-ICC-Cricket-World-Cup-2015.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-14021"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-14021" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Shane-Watson-vs-Scotland-ICC-Cricket-World-Cup-2015.jpg" alt="Shane Watson" width="594" height="416" sizes="(max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-14021" class="wp-caption-text">Shane Watson. (© Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Shane Watson is arguably one of the most talented all-rounders in the Limited Overs format. One innings quicker than his former opening partner, Shane Watson has shown glimpses of pure genius. That genius somehow doesn’t show up in big games. In the finals of 2010 WT20 and the semis of 2012 WT20, Watson got out cheaply and ended up on the losing side. Watson recently retired from the Test arena and will be hoping to lengthen his career in the shorter formats of the game and redeem himself once again.</p>
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<h4><strong>7. </strong><strong>Martin Guptill – New Zealand – 36 innings:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_27746" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-27746" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/08/Martin-Guptill-New-Zealand-v-Zimbabwe.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-27746" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Martin-Guptill-New-Zealand-v-Zimbabwe.jpg" alt="Zimbabwe v New Zealand T20I" width="640" height="465" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-27746" class="wp-caption-text">Zimbabwe v New Zealand T20I statistical review. (Photo Source: AFP)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Martin Guptill’s career has largely been overshadowed due to his swashbuckling opening partner in Brendon McCullum. While McCullum has been the aggressor, Guptill has quietly done the scoring at his end. Scoring 1414 at an average of 32, Guptill has hardly put a wrong foot. Guptill has had brilliant 2015, emerging the top scorer in the World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand this year, where he set the stadium ablaze with his mammoth 237 vs the West Indies. He’d be hoping to carry his 2015’s form into 2016 and more importantly to the T20 World Cup to be held in India.</p>
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<h4><strong>6. </strong><strong>Brendon McCullum – New Zealand – 35 innings:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_13532" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-13532" style="width: 594px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/03/New-Zealand-vs-Afg-ICC-Cricket-World-Cup-2015.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-13532 size-full" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/New-Zealand-vs-Afg-ICC-Cricket-World-Cup-2015.jpg" alt="Highest batting strike rates in a ODI innings" width="594" height="396" sizes="(max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-13532" class="wp-caption-text">Brendon McCullum. (© Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>If there were the Australian openers at No. 7 and 8, the Kiwi openers are a couple of steps ahead of their Trans-Tasmanian counterparts. Brendon McCullum, fondly called Baz, was probably born to play this format. His natural game moulds perfectly in this format and there is no surprise that he is also the highest run-getter in T20Is at 2140 runs, more than 500 runs ahead of the second spot. His intimidating style of stepping out of the crease and clobbering the bowler to all parts of the ground is a joy to watch. He is so fond of T20 that he averages 35.66 in T20Is while only 30.30 in 50 over cricket. Baz in the last few years has redefined T20 batting and let’s hope we get to see more of his innovations in the near future.</p>
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<h4><strong>5. </strong><strong>Chris Gayle – West Indies – 34 innings:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_19872" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-19872" style="width: 594px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/05/Chris-Gayle-ODI.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-19872 size-full" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Chris-Gayle-ODI.jpg" alt="Players with most ducks" width="594" height="396" sizes="(max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-19872" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Gayle. (© Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>We are talking about T20 cricket and how can the Big Man from Jamaica be left out. Chris Gayle is the most destructive T20 batsman. While other batsmen depend on footwork and timing to get boundaries, Chris Gayle is all slam-bang, such is his might that even most of his miss hit shots travel for six. Stand and deliver was a term coined just for him. Having led the Windies to World T20 success in 2012 in Sri Lanka, one can only hope that Gayle would love to replicate that performance in his second home, India, where for years he has been destroying bowlers.</p>
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<h4><strong>4. </strong><strong>Alex Hales – England – 32 innings:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_29265" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-29265" style="width: 404px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/08/Alex-Hales-eng.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-29265 size-full" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Alex-Hales-eng.jpg" alt="Alex Hales T20I Century" width="404" height="594" sizes="(max-width: 404px) 100vw, 404px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-29265" class="wp-caption-text">Alex Hales. (© Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Alex Hales has this unassuming style of batting which takes the opposition by surprise. He has been a consistent scorer in the T20s in the English County scene. For years, he was considered a T20 specialist and only got opportunities in the T20 side, and the way he has grabbed those opportunities is awe-inspiring. Scoring heavily in the games he has played including a blistering century against Sri Lanka in the 2014 World T20. His T20 reveals have earned him a place in ODI and Test squads, it is to be seen how far this T20 specialist now goes.</p>
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<h4><strong>3. </strong><strong>Kevin Pietersen – England – 32 innings:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_33026" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-33026" style="width: 594px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/09/Kevin-Pietersen-raises-his-bat-GettyImages-139272764.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-33026 size-full" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Kevin-Pietersen-raises-his-bat-GettyImages-139272764.jpg" alt="Kevin Pietersen" width="594" height="438" sizes="(max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-33026" class="wp-caption-text">Kevin Pietersen. (© LAKRUWAN WANNIARACHCHI/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Easily the most controversial English cricketer of his generation, Kevin Pietersen was also the most stylish English batsman of his generation. His technique and adaptability with the conditions was astounding. His natural game was to attack, easily suitable for T20, where he was, until today the fastest to 1000 runs. His best came in the World T20 in West Indies, where his batting led England to their first and only ICC trophy. KP is now out of favour from the ECB and we all should just come to terms with the fact that we have seen the last of him in the International arena.</p>
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<h4><strong>2. Faf du Plessis – South Africa &#8211; 32 innings:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_57097" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-57097" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/03/Faf-du-Plessis.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-57097"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-57097" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Faf-du-Plessis.jpg" alt="Faf du Plessis" width="640" height="420" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-57097" class="wp-caption-text">South African batsman Faf du Plessis plays a shot during the first T20 cricket match against Australia at Kingsmead stadium on March 4, 2016 in Durban.<br>/ AFP / ANESH DEBIKY (Photo credit should read ANESH DEBIKY/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
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<div>The Proteas T20I skipper is the second fastest to reach 1000 runs milestone in the shortest format of the game. The cool &amp; calm top order batsman is a vital cog in the South African batting order. He is appreciated a lot for his versatile playing technique and has enjoyed a successful T20 career so far. Faf du Plessis played his 1st T20I against England at Chester-le-street in 2012. And, incidentally, the 31 year old right handed batsman reached 1000 career runs against the same opposition at Mumbai during the 2016 World T20.</div>
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<h4><strong>1. Virat Kohli – India – 27 innings:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_34764" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34764" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/10/Virat-Kohli-vs-SA-in-1st-T20.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-34764" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Virat-Kohli-vs-SA-in-1st-T20.jpg" alt="Virat Kohli vs SA i" width="640" height="431" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34764" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>I would be rather surprised if Virat Kohli doesn’t smash every batting record in the game. When he walks in to bat, he has only one thing on his mind, to score big runs. Kohli has this aura around himself which makes him stand out against his peers. He had a brilliant World T20 in 2014 and carried his form into the Finals, only to be denied a win by a defiant Sri Lanka. In 2016, he would be a man on a mission, looking to do away with the demons of 2014 and get his first World T20 title.</p>
<h3><strong>Also read: <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/top-pacers-from-each-country-in-odis-current-cricketers/" target="_blank">Top pacers from each country in ODIs (Current Cricketers)</a></strong></h3>
<p><em><strong>(All stats updated till 23rd March 2016)</strong></em></p>

Top 10 batsmen fastest to 1000 T20I runs

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