Who have been the best batters of 2024 in T20 internationals? Well, we have a list made by the former India cricketer Aakash Chopra. He has revealed his picks for the top five T20I batters of 2024, with Indian stalwarts Sanju Samson and Rohit Sharma securing spots on the list. Incredibly, when Rohit Sharma announced his T20I retirement, it allowed Samson the consistent doors as an opener. Chopra’s list has the absence of Babar Azam and Suryakumar Yadav. The ex-Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) opener shared his choices on his YouTube channel, basing his selections on players who played at least 10 innings and excelled against formidable opposition.
Rohit Sharma – The No. 1 batter
Despite having a challenging period currently, Rohit Sharma tops Aakash Chopra’s charts as his numero uno T20I batter. The T20 World Cup-winning skipper amassed 378 runs in 11 innings at an average of 42 and an explosive strike rate of 160, including one century and three half-centuries.
“We believe in karma; we believe in Sharma—yes, Rohit Sharma,” Chopra quipped. “He gave a start every time in difficult World Cup conditions and played aggressively. He is my No. 1 T20I batter for 2024.”
Sanju Samson: The Century machine
Sanju Samson’s scintillating performances earned him a spot as well. The Indian batter smashed three centuries in just 13 games, two of which came consecutively against Bangladesh and South Africa. Samson scored 436 runs at an average of 43 and an extraordinary strike rate of 180. He is now India’s premier T20I opener, courtesy of his damage.
“Sanju Samson demolished Bangladesh in Hyderabad and then went and thrashed South Africa,” Chopra observed. “He is a delight to watch and deserves this spot.”
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Phil Salt: England’s explosive power
England’s Phil Salt earned the second spot, impressing with his aggressive strokeplay and dependable performances across formats. Salt scored 467 runs in 17 matches, averaging nearly 39 at a blistering strike rate of 164. His tally included one century and two half-centuries, along with a staggering 25 sixes and 44 fours.
“At No. 2, I have kept Phil Salt. He has batted extremely well. In 17 matches, he has scored 467 runs, which includes a century and two half-centuries, at an average of nearly 39 and a strike rate of 164. He has struck 25 sixes and 44 fours,” Chopra noted.
Travis Head—ache included!
Australian batter Travis Head came in at No. 4, with a powerful year marked by consistent aggression. Head accumulated 539 runs in 15 games at an average of 38 and an explosive strike rate of 178, with a highest score of 80.
“Our nemesis and the headmaster who causes us headaches—Travis Head,” Chopra joked. “He has scored 539 runs in 15 games, with a highest of 80, at an average of 38 and a strike rate of 178. Only we don’t get hit, he hits others as well.”
Batters with most T20I runs in 2024 ft. Babar Azam
| Player | Inns | Runs | HS | Ave | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Babar Azam (PAK) | 23 | 738 | 75 | 33.54 | 133.21 | 0 | 6 | 76 | 20 |
| Brian Bennett (ZIM) | 24 | 632 | 91 | 28.72 | 143.63 | 0 | 3 | 73 | 23 |
| Mohammad Rizwan (PAK) | 20 | 617 | 90* | 41.13 | 117.30 | 0 | 5 | 42 | 21 |
| Sikandar Raza (ZIM) | 23 | 573 | 133* | 28.65 | 146.54 | 1 | 2 | 48 | 29 |
| Kusal Mendis (SL) | 20 | 572 | 86 | 30.10 | 128.82 | 0 | 3 | 56 | 20 |
| Reeza Hendricks (SA) | 22 | 569 | 117 | 27.09 | 134.19 | 1 | 3 | 52 | 30 |
| Travis Head (AUS) | 15 | 539 | 80 | 38.50 | 178.47 | 0 | 4 | 62 | 33 |
Aakash Chopra’s 5 best T20I batters of 2024
| Rank | Player | Runs in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rohit Sharma | 378 |
| 2 | Phil Salt | 467 |
| 3 | Sanju Samson | 436 |
| 4 | Travis Head | 539 |
| 5 | Jos Buttler | 462 |
