For more than a decade, Virat Kohli ruled the records with the best average in the T20 World Cup. But in a shocking twist in the 2026 World Cup, Sherfane Rutherford shatters Virat Kohli’s record, changing the numbers in international T20 cricket.
Though Virat Kohli retains the records for most runs and most half-centuries in the tournament’s history, his best average has been surpassed by a young talent from the West Indies.
Sherfane Rutherford Creates History in T20 World Cup 2026
Sherfane Rutherford has reached this feat after his unbeaten 31-run innings against Zimbabwe at the legendary Wankhede Stadium.
Important Points about Sherfane Rutherford’s Record:
Dismissed only once in the T20 World Cup 2026
Played a total of 10 innings between 2024-2026
Scored 278 runs
Stunning average of 69.50
Read More
Strike rate of 168.48
Sherfane Rutherford, who came to bat with only 33 balls left against Zimbabwe, faced only 13 balls. However, his scintillating innings proved to be the turning point for West Indies as they scored 254, the second-highest total in the history of the T20 World Cup. With this innings, Sherfane Rutherford has shattered Virat Kohli’s record for the highest average (minimum 10 innings) in the tournament.
Highest Average in T20 World Cup (Minimum 10 Innings)
| Player | Team | Span | Inns | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 50s | 100s |
| Sherfane Rutherford | West Indies | 2024–26 | 10 | 278 | 69.50 | 168.48 | 2 | 0 |
| Virat Kohli | India | 2012–24 | 33 | 1,292 | 58.72 | 128.81 | 15 | 0 |
| Michael Hussey | Australia | 2007–2012 | 16 | 437 | 54.62 | 139.61 | 2 | 0 |
| Kevin Pietersen | England | 2007–2010 | 15 | 580 | 44.61 | 148.33 | 4 | 0 |
| Shimron Hetmyer | West Indies | 2021–26 | 10 | 346 | 43.25 | 158.71 | 3 | 0 |
Virat Kohli’s Legacy Still Intact
Though Sherfane Rutherford has set a new record for average, beating Virat Kohli’s record, Kohli’s overall dominance in the history of T20 World Cups is yet to be matched:
Most runs in the history of the tournament (1,292)
Most half-centuries (15)
Consistency in 33 innings from 2012 to 2024
Shimron Hetmyer Also Among Elite Company
Another star from West Indies, Shimron Hetmyer, is the fifth name on the list. It was in the same match against Zimbabwe that Hetmyer performed an innings that left everyone stunned:
- Smashed the fastest half-century for West Indies in T20 World Cup history
- Almost broke the record for the fastest hundred in tournament history
While Rutherford finished off the innings with finesse, Hetmyer started West Indies on their way to their massive score.
ALSO READ: WI vs ZIM, T20 World Cup 2026 : West Indies Defeated Zimbabwe By 107 Runs
