T20 World Cup It served as the final milestone for Indian cricket to engrave its dominance in the history books. From the first triumph in 2007 to the emotional revival in 2024, the journey has been defined by moments of pure individual genius and collective courage. Former Indian pacer and 2007 World Cup hero, Irfan Pathanrecently covered this storied history on Star Sports, listing the top five moments that defined India’s legacy in the shortest format of the game.
Pathan’s selection is not just a list of highlights; it’s a breakdown of the psychological changes and technical brilliance that shaped Indian cricket over two decades.
Irfan Pathan has released a ranking of India’s best T20 World Cup moments
- Virat Kohli 82* vs Australia
Underpinning India’s T20 identity are individual performances that silence stadiums. It is in the fifth place in the rating Virat Kohli vs. master class Australia in 2016. In a virtual knockout in Mohali, Kohli scored an unbeaten 82, a knock Pathan describes as a lesson in high-pressure running. It wasn’t just about the runs, but the surgical precision with which Kohli manipulated the field.
- Yuvraj Singh’s 6 Sixes
Moving on to number four is perhaps the most explosive moment in cricket history: of Yuvraj Singh six in a row. Yuvraj got it during the 2007 edition Stuart Broad to the cleaners by hitting six consecutive maximums. For Pathan, who was part of that squad, it wasn’t just about the scoreboard; India has realized that it can intimidate any competitor in the world.
Also READ: Irfan Pathan explains why Axar Patel outscored Ravindra Jadeja in ODIs
- S. Sreesanth’s catch in the Final
In the third issue, Pathan looks back on his golden age: S. Sreesanth‘s caught in the 2007 Finals. Need a handful of runs against Pakistan and Misbah-ul-Haq playing a bucket shot Joginder Sharmathe world held its breath. Sreesanth’s steady hands under the high ball ignited a T20 revolution in India, securing India’s first T20 World Title.
- Virat Kohli’s knock of the century
The top two spots on Pathan’s list represent the absolute pinnacle of athletic excellence. Second is against Kohli’s “Shot of the Century”. Pakistan in 2022. Facing Haris Rauf at a packed MCG, Kohli punched a back-of-length over the sixer’s head. The sheer physics of the high-pressure shot makes it one of the greatest technical achievements in sports history.
- Suryakumar Yadav caught in the final
Finally, taking first place is the ultimate act of defiance: Suryakumar Yadav‘s catch in the 2024 Final. with South Africa inches away from victory and David Miller Tossing the ball towards the boundary, Suryakumar took a miraculous juggle outside the ropes. Pathan holds it at number one for risks; It was the moment that ended India’s 11-year existence ICC trophy drought proves that championships are won with the field as much as with the bat.
Made by a man who has experienced the pressure of a World Cup final, these five highlights remind why India remain a powerhouse in the T20 format.
Also READ: Irfan Pathan picks Team India’s ‘Glue’ in T20 World Cup 2026
