Several overseas players have had formidable records in Indian conditions. Over the years, cricketers have consistently delivered in India across ICC tournaments,
the IPL, and bilateral series. Extended stints in the IPL have helped these players tackle Indian pitches.
Their understanding of conditions to attack spin, how to pace an innings on slowing tracks, and how to use variations effectively with the ball plays a big role. As the World Cup once again approaches in India, this experience could be vital.
Here are the 5 overseas players with strong records in Indian conditions
5. David Miller
Veteran batter David Miller’s record in India across T20Is and the IPL makes him a crucial asset for South Africa heading into the 2026 T20 World Cup. The left-hander has enjoyed a long IPL career, featuring for Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Gujarat Titans, and, most recently, Lucknow Super Giants.
In 141 IPL matches, Miller has scored 3,077 runs at an average of 35.77 and a strike rate of 138.60, including a memorable unbeaten 101 off 38 balls in 2013. His best IPL season came in 2022, when he scored 481 runs at an average of 68.71, during the Gujarat Titans’ title-winning debut campaign.
In T20Is played in India, Miller has scored 336 runs at an average of 42 and a strike rate of 179.67. Recently, the 36-year-old was medically cleared after recovering from a groin injury sustained during the SA20, and he is set to play the finisher’s role at No.5 for South Africa in what could be his final T20 World Cup.
4. Jos Buttler
Former England skipper Jos Buttler brings with him a wealth of experience on Indian pitches. Buttler’s familiarity with conditions in India is from his performances across the IPL and T20Is. In the IPL, he has scored over 4100 runs at an average of around 40 and a strike rate close to 150, including a record-equalling four centuries in the 2022 season.
Buttler has struck at nearly 150 in T20Is in India. During the 2016 ICC World T20 in India, he scored 191 runs at an average of 47.75 and a strike rate of 159, playing a key role in England’s run to the final. Entering the upcoming edition of the marquee event as a senior batter for the Three Lions, Buttler's form will be important as he will have the responsibility to provide strong starts to the team.
3. Rashid Khan
Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan stands out as one of the most impactful overseas players to have excelled in Indian conditions. Despite recent chatter around batters figuring him out, Rashid remains a magician with the ball. His IPL career has been impressive. Since debuting in 2017, he has consistently been among the tournament’s most reliable wicket-takers, with over 130 IPL wickets at an economy close to seven, one of the best for a spinner in India.
Notably, he was the Purple Cap runner-up in 2023 with 27 wickets and has played a crucial role in the Gujarat Titans’ title-winning campaign in 2022. Furthermore, he is the fastest bowler to 100 T20I wickets and Afghanistan’s all-time leading wicket-taker.
2. Daryl Mitchell
Daryl Mitchell heads into the upcoming World Cup in solid form, having an impressive ODI series in India. Scores of 131* and 137 at strike rates above 100 not only powered New Zealand to a historic series win but also lifted Mitchell to the top of the ICC men’s ODI batting rankings, ahead of Virat Kohli. His 352-run haul was the highest ever by a New Zealander in a three-match ODI series.
While Mitchell’s IPL numbers may not always grab headlines, he has been solid and consistent. Notably, his recent form against quality Indian bowling, especially spin, makes him a formidable World Cup prospect. Having already thrived in India during the 2023 ODI World Cup, Mitchell’s experience makes as one of New Zealand’s most crucial players heading into the global event.
1. Travis Head
Over the last few years, Travis Head has been one of India’s biggest headaches. The Australian opener seems to find a way to hurt India, especially in ICC competitions. In the 2023 World Test Championship final and the ODI World Cup final, Head changed the course of the matches with his centuries.
Even in the IPL, playing for the Sunrisers Hyderabad for the past two seasons, the southpaw has continued his golden run and punished the bowlers all around the park. Head knows the pitches in India well and will look to use that to his benefit.
