The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is India’s top domestic T20 tournament and a key platform for batting talent. Scoring a century in this fast-paced format is very difficult, which makes every hundred special. Only a few batters have managed to score repeatedly and feature among the most centuries in syed mushtaq ali trophy, proving their consistency, skill, and ability to perform under pressure.
Table of Contents
List of 5 Most Centuries in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy History
5. Ruturaj Gaikwad – 3 Centuries
Ruturaj Gaikwad began his Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy journey with Maharashtra in 2017. From his early appearances, he stood out for his calm approach and technically correct batting style. In a format where many players rely heavily on power, Gaikwad focuses on timing, placement, and building partnerships. This method has helped him play long innings without taking unnecessary risks.
Over multiple seasons, Gaikwad became the backbone of Maharashtra’s batting lineup. He often played the role of an anchor, ensuring stability at the top while allowing aggressive batters around him to play freely. His ability to accelerate after getting set made him a complete T20 batter. These qualities helped him score three centuries in the tournament, placing him firmly in conversations about the most centuries in syed mushtaq ali trophy.
His performances in SMAT opened doors to bigger opportunities, including consistent IPL success and a place in the Indian national setup. Gaikwad’s journey shows how SMAT can shape disciplined batters into top-level performers.
| Innings | Runs | Centuries | Role |
| 54 | 1864 | 3 | Top-order batter |
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4. Unmukt Chand – 3 Centuries
Unmukt Chand was once regarded as one of India’s most promising young talents. Representing Delhi in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he made an immediate impact with his confident stroke play and strong temperament. Chand was especially effective during the powerplay, where he used timing rather than brute force to dominate bowlers.
The highlight of his SMAT career came in the 2012–13 season, when he scored two centuries in a single edition. This rare achievement underlined his hunger for big scores and his ability to perform consistently. Even today, his name is remembered when discussions arise about the most centuries in syed mushtaq ali trophy.
Although his international career did not reach the heights many expected, Chand’s domestic T20 record remains impressive. His three centuries in SMAT still serve as an example of how talent and confidence can shine at the domestic level.
| Innings | Runs | Centuries | Best Season |
| 51 | 1166 | 3 | 2012–13 |
3. Devdutt Padikkal – 3 Centuries
Devdutt Padikkal announced himself on the big stage with Karnataka in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. As a left-handed opener, he brought elegance and consistency to the top order. His calm presence and smart shot selection made him difficult to bowl to, especially on good batting surfaces.
The 2019–20 season was historic for Padikkal. He scored a record number of runs in a single SMAT edition, showcasing unmatched consistency throughout the tournament. His centuries came in different match situations, which highlighted his adaptability and game awareness. These performances ensured his place among players with the most centuries in syed mushtaq ali trophy.
Padikkal’s success in SMAT quickly translated into IPL opportunities and national recognition. His journey reflects how consistent domestic performances can fast-track a player’s career.
| Innings | Runs | Centuries | Runs (2019–20) |
| 39 | 1518 | 3 | 580 |
2. Ishan Kishan – 5 Centuries
Ishan Kishan has been one of the most entertaining batters in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy history. Playing for Jharkhand, he made his debut in 2014 and quickly gained attention for his fearless batting style. As a wicketkeeper-batter, Kishan added balance and flexibility to his team.
Kishan’s approach is simple but effective. He attacks from the very first ball, putting immediate pressure on bowlers. Despite his aggressive mindset, he has also shown the ability to bat deep and convert starts into big scores. This balance is the main reason he features so high on the list of the most centuries in syed mushtaq ali trophy.
One of his most memorable performances came in the 2025 SMAT final, where he scored a match-winning century under pressure. With five hundreds, Kishan has set a benchmark for future batters in the tournament.
| Innings | Runs | Centuries | Strike Rate |
| 62 | 1977 | 5 | 146.55 |
1. Abhishek Sharma – 5 Centuries
Abhishek Sharma has emerged as one of the most dominant batters in recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy seasons. Representing Punjab, he used the tournament as a stage to display his explosive batting ability. His rise in SMAT directly contributed to his IPL success and eventual selection in India’s T20I squad.
Abhishek is known for his clean ball-striking and fearless mindset. He has the rare ability to score at a high rate while still maintaining control over his shots. One of his biggest highlights is a record-breaking 28-ball century, which stands among the fastest in SMAT history. This knock alone strengthened his reputation among players with the most centuries in syed mushtaq ali trophy.
With five centuries, Abhishek Sharma is joint at the top of this elite list. His consistency, confidence, and match-winning performances make him one of the most impactful players the tournament has ever seen.
| Innings | Runs | Centuries | Fastest Century |
| 54 | 1853 | 5 | 28 balls |
FAQs
1: Who holds the record for the most centuries in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy history?
Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan both share the top spot with 5 centuries each, making them the highest century-makers in SMAT history.
2: How difficult is it to score a century in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy?
Scoring a century in SMAT is very challenging because T20 cricket demands fast scoring, smart shot selection, and consistency. Only a few players have achieved multiple centuries across seasons.
3: Which player scored the fastest century in SMAT?
Abhishek Sharma holds the record for the fastest century in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, reaching 100 runs in just 28 balls.
4: How has performing well in SMAT helped players’ careers?
Strong performances in SMAT often lead to opportunities in the IPL and even the Indian national team. Players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devdutt Padikkal, and Abhishek Sharma gained recognition through their consistent SMAT centuries.