Sai Sudharsan Sets T20 Record as Fastest to 3,000 Runs in Thrilling IPL Match

In a thrilling IPL match, Sai Sudharsan of Gujarat Titans made history by becoming the fastest cricketer to score 3,000 runs in T20s, surpassing Shaun Marsh's record. Despite Sudharsan's impressive performance, GT fell short against KKR, who set a formidable target. This article delves into Sudharsan's remarkable achievements and the match highlights, showcasing the intense competition in the IPL.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 17, 2026, 10:46 IST

Sai Sudharsan Achieves Milestone Against KKR

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India] - On May 17, Gujarat Titans (GT) opener Sai Sudharsan made history by surpassing former Australian cricketer Shaun Marsh to become the quickest player to score 3,000 runs in T20 cricket.

This remarkable achievement occurred during a match against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens. Sudharsan initially left the field after being struck on the left elbow by a delivery from Kartik Tyagi but returned to contribute significantly with an unbeaten 53 runs off 28 balls, featuring six fours and three sixes, as GT chased down a target of 248 runs.

Sudharsan reached the 3,000-run milestone in just 78 innings, breaking Marsh's record of 85 innings. The 24-year-old has accumulated a total of 3,017 runs in 79 matches, boasting an impressive average of 43.72 and a strike rate of 142.17, which includes four centuries and 21 fifties.

Currently, he holds the Orange Cap for the highest runs this season, amassing 554 runs in 13 innings at an average of 46.16 and a strike rate of 157.83, highlighted by one century and six fifties, with a top score of 100.

Sudharsan has recorded four consecutive scores of over 50 runs this season, the highest by any player, with his latest performance of 53* against KKR, alongside scores of 61 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), 55 against Rajasthan Royals (RR), and 57 against Punjab Kings (PBKS). His resurgence in the latter half of the tournament follows a challenging start, where he managed only one fifty in six innings.

In the match, GT chose to bowl first, and KKR capitalized on this decision. After an early dismissal of skipper Rahane (14), Finn Allen (93 runs off 35 balls, including four boundaries and ten sixes) and Angkrish Raghuvanshi put together a formidable 95-run partnership. Following Allen's exit, Raghuvanshi achieved his fifth fifty of the season, accelerating the scoring during a 108-run partnership with Cameron Green (52* off 28 balls, with three fours and four sixes), leading KKR to a total of 247/2 in 20 overs. Raghuvanshi finished with an unbeaten 82* off 44 balls, hitting four boundaries and seven sixes.

Mohammed Siraj and Sai Kishore each took a wicket for GT.

During the chase, Sudharsan had to retire hurt early on. However, skipper Shubman Gill (85 runs off 49 balls, with five fours and seven sixes) and Jos Buttler (57 runs off 35 balls, with five fours and two sixes) formed a crucial 128-run partnership, keeping GT in contention. Unfortunately, after their dismissals, GT struggled to maintain the required run rate, finishing at 218/4 in 20 overs.

Sunil Narine (2/29) was the standout bowler for KKR and earned the 'Player of the Match' award.

As it stands, GT is positioned second in the league with eight wins and five losses, totaling 16 points, while KKR sits seventh with five wins, six losses, and one no result, accumulating 11 points.