Gujarat Titans’ (GT) young opener Sai Sudharsan rewrote record books on Saturday after emerging as the fastest batter in the history of T20 cricket to complete 3,000 runs. He bagged the feat during the team’s high-voltage clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. 

Sudharsan surpassed Australia’s former batter Shaun Marsh by reaching the milestone in just 78 innings, breaching his record of 85 innings. The achievement elevated Sudharsan as one of the most dependable batters in franchise cricket.

Despite suffering a painful blow to his left elbow during deliveries by Kartik Tyagi early in the innings, and walking off the field for a brief period, Sudharsan returned with stellar composure and scored 53* off 28 balls. His innings were laced with three towering sixes and six boundaries, although GT fell short while chasing 248 runs. 

Orange Cap holder continues sensational IPL campaign

The 24-year-old batter has now garnered 3,017 runs in 79 T20 matches at a phenomenal impressive average of 43.72 and a strike rate of 142.17. His tally includes four centuries and 21 half-centuries, shedding the light on his consistency across formats. 

Moreover, Sudharsan has also cemented his position as one of the standout performers of the ongoing IPL season. Currently holding the coveted Orange Cap, he has accumulated 554 runs in 13 innings at an average of 46.16 and a blistering strike rate of 157.83. His campaign includes one century and six fifties, with a highest score of 100. 

Finn Allen, Raghuvanshi power KKR to a formidable total

Earlier in the contest, GT opted to bowl first and sent KKR to bat. Their decision backfired as KKR posted a mammoth 247/2 in their 20 overs. After captain Ajinkya Rahane departed cheaply, explosive batter from New Zealand, Finn Allen unleashed a brutal assault on GT’s bowlers. He smashed 93 runs off just 35 balls with 10 sixes. Young cricketer Angkrish Raghuvanshi complemented him with 82* off 44 balls. 

In reply, GT skipper Shubhman Gill and England batting icon Jos Buttler launched a spirited counter-attack with a 128-run partnership that briefly revived hopes of an extraordinary chase.

Gill delivered a blistering 85 off 49 balls, while Buttler contributed 57 runs. However, after the pair departed, the required run rate spiralled beyond control, as GT finished on 218/4.