Irfan Pathan picks India’s greatest moments in T20 World Cup history

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T20 World Cup has served as the ultimate stage for Indian cricket to etch its dominance into the history books. From the inaugural triumph in 2007 to the emotional resurgence in 2024, the journey has been defined by moments of pure individual genius and collective grit. Former Indian pacer and 2007 World Cup hero, Irfan Pathan, recently reflected on this storied history on a Star Sports, ranking the top five moments that defined India’s legacy in the shortest format of the game.

Pathan’s selection isn’t just a list of highlights; it is a breakdown of the psychological shifts and technical brilliance that have shaped Indian cricket over two decades.

At the foundation of India’s T20 identity are the individual performances that silenced stadiums. Ranking at number five is Virat Kohli’s masterclass against Australia in 2016. In a virtual knockout in Mohali, Kohli scored an unbeaten 82, a knock Pathan describes as a lesson in high-pressure chasing. It wasn’t just about the runs, but the surgical precision with which Kohli manipulated the field.

Moving to number four is perhaps the most explosive moment in cricket history: Yuvraj Singh’s six sixes in an over. During the 2007 edition, Yuvraj took Stuart Broad to the cleaners, hitting six consecutive maximums. For Pathan, who was part of that squad, this wasn’t just about the scoreboard; it was the moment India realized they could intimidate any opponent in the world.

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At number three, Pathan looks back at his own golden era: S. Sreesanth’s catch in the 2007 Final. With Pakistan needing a handful of runs and Misbah-ul-Haq playing a scoop shot off Joginder Sharma, the world held its breath. Sreesanth’s steady hands under the high ball secured India’s first-ever T20 World Title, igniting the T20 revolution in India.

The top two spots on Pathan’s list represent the absolute peak of athletic excellence. At number second is Kohli’s ‘Shot of the Century’ against Pakistan in 2022. Facing Haris Rauf at a packed MCG, Kohli punched a back-of-a-length delivery straight back over the bowler’s head for six. The sheer physics of the shot, executed under immense pressure, makes it one of the greatest technical feats in the sport’s history.

Finally, taking the top spot is the most recent act of defiance: Suryakumar Yadav’s catch in the 2024 Final. With South Africa inches away from victory and David Miller launching a ball toward the boundary, Suryakumar pulled off a miraculous juggling catch on the edge of the ropes. Pathan ranks this at number one because of the stakes; it was the moment that ended India’s 11-year ICC trophy drought, proving that championships are won as much with fielding as with the bat.

These five moments, curated by a man who lived the pressure of a World Cup final, serve as a reminder of why India remains a powerhouse in the T20 format.

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