Ishan Kishan surpasses Suryakumar Yadav’s record to become India’s highest T20I run-scorer in a calendar year

Ishan Kishan created history in T20I cricket during the fifth and final match against New Zealand at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Sunday. The left-handed wicketkeeper-batter surpassed Suryakumar Yadav's record for the most runs scored by an Indian batter in T20Is in a calendar year.

Kishan needed six runs to go past Suryakumar's tally of 1,164 runs, which the former India T20I captain registered in 2002. He achieved the milestone early in his innings after New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and elected to bowl first.

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The landmark capped a remarkable year for Kishan, who has established himself as a key figure in India's T20I batting lineup with his aggressive approach and consistent performances.

Ishan Kishan surpasses Suryakumar Yadav's T20I record

Suryakumar had set the benchmark in 2022, scoring 1,164 runs in 31 matches and innings. His record included two centuries and nine half-centuries, with a highest score of 117.

Kishan moved past that mark in 2026, taking his tally to 1,165 runs from 37 matches and 36 innings. He has registered one century and seven half-centuries during the calendar year, with a highest score of 103.

The milestone also puts Kishan ahead of Abhishek Sharma, who has scored 1,153 T20I runs in 2026, making it a prolific year for India's top-order batters.

India's highest T20I run-scorers in a calendar year

Kishan now leads the list of Indian batters with the most T20I runs in a calendar year, followed closely by Suryakumar and Abhishek.

- Ishan Kishan - 1,165 runs (2026)
- Suryakumar Yadav - 1,164 runs (2022)
- Abhishek Sharma - 1,153 runs (2026)
- Abhishek Sharma - 859 runs (2025)
- Sanju Samson - 809 runs (2026)
- Virat Kohli - 781 runs (2022)
- Tilak Varma - 751 runs (2026)
- Suryakumar Yadav - 733 runs (2023)
- Shikhar Dhawan - 689 runs (2018)
- Shreyas Iyer - 666 runs (2026)

Kishan's resurgence in India's T20I setup

Kishan's record-breaking year marks a significant phase in his international career. After returning to India's T20I setup in January following an extended absence, the wicketkeeper-batter has made the most of his opportunities.

His ability to score quickly and put opposition bowlers under pressure has strengthened India's batting options. Kishan has also contributed during India's ongoing T20I campaign against New Zealand, with his performances reinforcing his position in the team's plans.