T20 cricket is often celebrated for big hits and rapid scoring, but there have been moments when even Indian cricketers chose caution over aggression. The Top 5 Slowest T20 Innings by Indian Cricketers showcase these unusual but fascinating performances. Each innings tells a story of strategy, match pressure, and the fine balance between risk and reward in the shortest format of the game.
India’s Slowest T20 Performances: A Detailed Look
T20 cricket is known for its lightning-fast scoring, but some Indian cricketers have shown that slowing down can sometimes be just as important. In this section, we take a closer look at India’s Slowest T20 Performances: A Detailed Look, highlighting innings where patience, careful shot selection, and match strategy took precedence over hitting boundaries. From defensive masterclasses to tense run chases, these innings demonstrate that even in the shortest format, calculated caution can leave a lasting impact. Below, we explore the top 5 slowest T20 innings by Indian players, complete with match context, balls faced, and strike rates.
| Player | Runs | Balls Faced | Strike Rate | Match / Year |
| Virat Kohli | 1 | 5 | 20.00 | vs Ireland, T20 World Cup 2024 |
| MS Dhoni | 5 | 12 | 41.66 | vs South Africa, ICC T20 2009 |
| Yashpal Singh | 6 | 20 | 30.00 | Indian T20 League 2009 |
| Ravichandran Ashwin | 10 | 20 | 50.00 | vs New Zealand, T20 World Cup 2016 |
| Yuvraj Singh | 11 | 21 | 52.38 | vs Sri Lanka, 2014 |
#1. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli, known for his aggressive yet calculated style, had a surprisingly slow outing in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 match against Ireland. Opening the batting, he scored only 1 run from 5 balls before being caught at deep third man. This rare slow inning is now remembered as one of the slowest T20 knocks by an Indian, proving that even legends can face challenges in the fast-paced T20 format.
#2. MS Dhoni – 5 (12)
MS Dhoni, one of India’s most composed finishers, also has a spot in the list of slowest T20 innings. In the 2009 ICC T20 match against South Africa, India was chasing 131 and found themselves in trouble at 3/56. Dhoni could only manage 5 runs off 12 balls, struggling to rotate the strike before getting run out. This cautious inning reflects the pressure of the situation and ranks among the Top 5 Slowest T20 Innings by Indian Cricketers, showing that even experienced players sometimes need time to adjust in tricky match conditions.
#3. Yashpal Singh – 6 (20)
Yashpal Singh may not be as famous as some of India’s cricket stars, but his slow innings in the 2009 Indian T20 League is still remembered. Playing for Kolkata, he scored just 6 runs off 20 balls, one of the slowest knocks in the tournament’s history. While chasing a modest total of 102, his cautious approach stood out in a format known for fast scoring, showing how patience sometimes plays a role even in T20 cricket.
#4. Ravichandran Ashwin – 10 (20)
In the 2016 T20 World Cup match against New Zealand, Ashwin came in to bat alongside MS Dhoni on a slow, turning pitch. He struggled to find the gaps and could only score 10 runs off 20 balls, failing to rotate the strike effectively. His cautious approach added pressure on Dhoni and made scoring difficult, highlighting how even skilled all-rounders can face tough moments in challenging conditions.
#5. Yuvraj Singh – 11 (21)
Yuvraj Singh, known for his explosive batting, had a rare slow innings against Sri Lanka in 2014. He managed only 11 runs from 21 balls, struggling to connect cleanly with the ball as most of his shots went straight to fielders. His cautious approach during the middle overs was unusual for a player of his caliber.
Factors Behind Slow T20 Inning
Challenging Pitch Conditions: Slow or turning pitches make it hard for batsmen to score quickly.
Strong Bowling Attack: Skilled bowlers can restrict scoring opportunities, forcing players to play cautiously.
Match Situation: Scenarios like chasing a small total or preserving wickets may require slower batting.
Pressure of the Game: High-pressure moments, such as knockout matches or tight chases, can make players more defensive.
Adjusting to Conditions: Even experienced players sometimes need time to get used to the pace or bounce of the pitch.
Final Words
T20 cricket is celebrated for its explosive batting and quick scoring, but these rare slow innings remind us that not every game follows the script. Whether due to tough conditions, match pressure, or simply an off day, even the finest players can struggle to find momentum. These innings may not be remembered for fireworks, but they highlight the unpredictable and human side of cricket. After all, every knock—fast or slow—adds its own story to the game we love.
FAQs
Q1. Who played the slowest T20 innings by an Indian cricketer?
A1. Yashpal Singh holds the record with 6 runs off 20 balls in the 2009 Indian T20 League.
Q2. Has Virat Kohli ever played a slow T20 innings?
A2. Yes, Kohli has had innings where he took time to settle in, prioritizing stability over quick scoring for the team’s needs.
Q3. Do slow innings affect the team negatively?
A3. Sometimes they do, especially in high-scoring chases, but in low totals or tricky conditions, a cautious approach can be useful.
Q4. Are slow innings common in modern T20 cricket?
A4. They are rare in today’s aggressive game, but occasional slow knocks still happen due to pressure or conditions.