Former India cricketer Suresh Raina has delivered a fascinating verdict on the world’s premier T20 batting talent, placing a South African powerhouse at the summit of his carefully curated list. Speaking on Shubhankar Mishra‘s podcast, Raina named this star batter as the current best T20 batter globally, with two Indian batting super stars completing his top three.
Suresh Raina reveals the non-Indian batter in the Top 3 list
Raina’s selection of star striker Heinrich Klaasen as the world’s number one T20 batter reflects the South African’s extraordinary impact on the format. The former Chennai Super Kings stalwart specifically highlighted Klaasen’s ‘rare six-hitting ability’ as the distinguishing factor that sets him apart from his contemporaries. This assessment gains credence when examining Klaasen’s recent performances, particularly his devastating displays for SunRisers Hyderabad in the IPL.
Klaasen’s credentials as a T20 destroyer are undeniable. In IPL 2025, he smashed a record-breaking 105 off just 39 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders, featuring nine sixes and seven boundaries. His overall IPL statistics paint the picture of a consistent match-winner: 1,480 runs across 49 matches at an impressive strike rate of 169.72, including two centuries and seven half-centuries. The South African’s ability to accelerate innings and find boundaries at will has made him one of the most sought-after T20 players globally.
Raina discloses two Indian names completing the trinity
Raina’s selection of Abhishek Sharma in second position reflects the young left-hander’s meteoric rise in international cricket. The 24-year-old has established himself as a fearless opener with performances that have redefined aggressive batting for India. His record-breaking 135 off 54 balls against England at Wankhede Stadium in February 2025 stands as the highest individual score by an Indian in T20Is, featuring an astonishing 13 sixes.
Abhishek’s journey from domestic cricket to international stardom has been remarkable. He achieved his maiden T20I century against Zimbabwe in just 47 balls, and followed it up with another hundred against England. His IPL performances for SunRisers Hyderabad, where he forms a formidable opening partnership with Travis Head, have been equally impressive, maintaining a strike rate of over 200. The youngster’s ability to dominate powerplay overs and set the tone for big totals has made him indispensable to India’s T20 setup.
“Abhishek Sharma hit a hundred against England at Wankhede. Suryakumar Yadav has so many shots in his arsenal,” Raina said during the podcast.
Suryakumar Yadav, India’s T20I captain, rounds out Raina’s top three selection. Despite recent struggles with the bat, SKY’s overall record speaks volumes about his quality. Across 83 T20Is, he has accumulated 2,598 runs at a blistering strike rate of 167.07. His captaincy record has been equally impressive, leading India to 17 victories in 22 matches for a win percentage of 79.54%. Suryakumar’s innovative shot-making and ability to find boundaries from seemingly impossible situations have earned him the nickname “Mr. 360.”
Raina’s selections reflect the current state of T20 cricket, where explosive batting and the ability to score quickly have become paramount. While Klaasen’s international retirement creates a void for South Africa, with young Tristan Stubbs expected to fill the gap, his legacy as a T20 destroyer remains intact. For India, the emergence of Abhishek alongside the continued leadership of Suryakumar provides a strong foundation as they prepare for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
