India has produced a wealth of cricketing talent in the T20 format, with several players making their mark at a young age. Winning the Player of the Match award in international T20 cricket is a testament to a player’s skill and ability to perform under pressure. Here’s a look at the top five youngest Indians to win the Men’s T20I Player of the Match award.
1. Washington Sundar
At the age of 18 years and 164 days, Washington Sundar made history by becoming the youngest Indian to win the Player of the Match award in a T20I. The all-rounder achieved this feat during a match against Sri Lanka in 2018. His impressive bowling figures of 3/22 helped India secure a comfortable win. Known for his calm demeanor and accurate off-spin, Sundar continues to be a valuable asset for India in limited-overs cricket.
2. Prithvi Shaw
Prithvi Shaw, known for his explosive batting at the top of the order, became the second youngest Indian to win this prestigious award. At 19 years and 175 days, Shaw was named Player of the Match in a T20I against New Zealand in 2020. His blistering 66 off 41 balls set the tone for India’s victory, showcasing his ability to handle international pressure with ease.
3. Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant, a dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman, earned his first T20I Player of the Match award at 20 years and 121 days. Pant achieved this milestone in a T20I against West Indies in 2018, where his unbeaten 65 off 42 balls helped India chase down a competitive target. Pant’s fearless approach and aggressive batting style have made him a regular feature in India’s T20I setup.
4. Ishan Kishan
At 22 years and 70 days, Ishan Kishan made an immediate impact in his T20I debut against England in 2021. Opening the batting, Kishan smashed 56 off 32 balls, leading India to a comprehensive win. His performance earned him the Player of the Match award, establishing him as a promising young talent for India in the shortest format of the game.
5. Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill, a technically gifted batsman, won his first T20I Player of the Match award at 22 years and 211 days. His match-winning knock of 76 off 47 balls against Ireland in 2023 showed his adaptability in T20 cricket. Gill’s ability to rotate strike and find boundaries at crucial moments has made him a key player for India across formats.
These young stars continue to push the boundaries of Indian cricket, making their presence felt on the global stage.
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