Mahela Jayawardene

NEW DELHI: The T20 World Cup has become a premier event in the world of cricket, exhibiting the best of the game’s shortest format. As the ninth edition of the tournament approaches, it is an opportune moment to examine the leading run-getters and the batters with the highest strike rates, who have left an indelible mark on the competition.Virat Kohli stands out as the leading run-scorer in the T20 World Cup history.With 1141 runs across five editions, Kohli has consistently delivered match-winning performances under immense pressure, cementing his reputation as one of the finest batters in T20 cricket. His record of 319 runs in the 2014 edition and his impressive tally of 296 runs in 2016 further underscore his dominance in the tournament. SEE ALSO: T20 World Cup Schedule Mahela Jayawardene, the retired Sri Lankan legend, follows closely with 1016 runs, having played a pivotal role in his country’s success in the T20 World Cup. His consistent scoring across five editions has been instrumental in Sri Lanka’s triumphs.Chris Gayle has amassed 965 runs in the T20 World Cup, establishing himself as one of the most destructive and entertaining hitters in the game’s history. His performances, particularly during the West Indies’ maiden title win in 2012, have made him a fan favourite and a crucial player for his team.Indian captain Rohit Sharma has been a key player for his team in the T20 World Cups, scoring 963 runs, including 91 fours, at a strike rate of 127.88. His ability to score big runs and provide stability at the top of the order has been crucial for India’s success in the tournament.Tillakaratne Dilshan was the leading run-scorer in the 2009 edition with 317 runs from seven matches. His aggressive batting style and ability to provide quick starts at the top of the order made him a vital cog in the Sri Lankan team’s lineup across six editions, accumulating 897 runs. When it comes to the highest strike rates in the T20 World Cup, Jos Buttler of England leads the pack with an impressive 144.48. Regarded as one of the most dynamic and destructive batters, Buttler’s ability to score rapidly has fetched him 799 runs in 27 matches.AB de Villiers, the retired South African legend, boasts a remarkable strike rate of 143.40, reflecting his ability to score quickly and decisively. With 717 runs in 29 innings, including 51 fours and 30 sixes, de Villiers was one of the most feared batters in the tournament.Chris Gayle’s unparalleled fearlessness and confidence translated into an amazing strike rate of 142.75 in the T20 World Cups. The Jamaican always backed himself to take on any bowler, becoming the only player to score two centuries in the event, both of which were match-winning efforts.Mahela Jayawardene’s impressive average of 39.07 and a strike rate of 134.74 reflect his ability to score quickly while maintaining consistency, making him a valuable asset for Sri Lanka.David Warner’s aggressive approach has been crucial for Australia, with his ability to score runs quickly and efficiently earning him a strike rate of 133.22 in the T20 World Cups. His explosive batting has made him one of the most exciting and effective batters in the tournament.(Inputs from ANI)