Think about it: You get your Test cap. You're nervous, your heart's racing, and you feel the pressure of a billion fans. Most players just want to get their first run and get comfortable. But some players? They take the chance and make history right away.
Getting a century in your first Test match is like the most fantastic way to start your career. It tells everyone, I'm here to stay.
From the old days of the 1930s to today's fast-paced game, only 17 Indian players have hit a century in their debut match. Here's the list of those heroes, in order.
The First Hero
It was arguably the most significant century in Indian cricket history. Playing at the Gymkhana Ground in Bombay, Lala Amarnath became the first Indian to score a Test century—and he did it on debut. Facing a seasoned England attack, he smashed 118, driving the home crowd into a frenzy and proving that India could compete with the colonial masters.
The Forgotten Gem
Shodhan walked out to bat at No. 8 against arch-rivals Pakistan at Eden Gardens. With the team in trouble, he played a gem of an innings, scoring 110. Sadly, despite this incredible start, he played only two more Tests for India one of the strangest one-hit wonder stories in cricket.
A stylish batter from Madras (now Chennai), Kripal Singh scored an unbeaten 100 against New Zealand. He drove and cut with elegance, ensuring the match ended in a draw.
The Young Charmer
At just 20 years old, Baig was called up during a tour of England. He scored a gritty 112 at Old Trafford, Manchester. His innings was so charismatic that a female spectator famously ran onto the field to kiss him a rare sight in 1950s cricket!
Playing in Delhi, Hanumant Singh caressed the English bowling to all parts of the ground for his 105. He was known for his silken touch, and his debut promised a long career, though he played only 14 Tests.
From Zero to Hero
This is perhaps the most famous debut story. In the first innings at Kanpur, "Vishy" was dismissed for a duck. He walked back, devastated. But in the second innings, against a formidable Australian attack, he crafted a masterpiece 137 runs. It was the birth of an Indian legend who would go on to become the master of match-saving knocks.
Like Father, Like Son
History repeated itself in Auckland. Surinder Amarnath, son of the great Lala Amarnath (the first name on this list), scored 124 on his debut against New Zealand. To this day, they remain the only father-son duo in world cricket to both score centuries on Test debut.
The Arrival of a Genius
Azhar didn't just score a century on debut; he scored three centuries in his first three Tests. His debut 110 against England at Eden Gardens was a wristy, magical affair that signalled the arrival of a batting prodigy.
Facing a fearsome South African pace attack (Donald, McMillan) on a quick Durban pitch is a nightmare for a debutant. Amre stood tall, scoring a gritty 103 that is still regarded as one of the finest overseas debut knocks by an Indian.
The Lord’s Centurion
In the summer of '96, a young Sourav Ganguly walked out at the Home of Cricket, Lord’s. With Rahul Dravid (who scored 95) at the other end, Ganguly unleashed a dazzling array of offside drives. His 131 was regal, earning him the moniker The Prince of Kolkata.
The Clone and the Master
When Sehwag debuted in Bloemfontein, he batted at No. 6. He joined his idol, Sachin Tendulkar, at the crease. The two looked so similar in stance and shot-making that spectators were confused. Sehwag smashed 105, matching Sachin stroke for stroke, and famously hugged his idol upon reaching the milestone.
Known as a white-ball specialist, Raina silenced critics with a fluent 120 against Sri Lanka in Colombo. He showed great temperament against spin, helping India save the match.
The Moustache Twirl
Dhawan didn't just score a century; he destroyed the Australian bowling. He raced to the fastest century on Test debut (off just 85 balls) in Mohali. His 187 remains the highest score by an Indian debutant. It was pure domination.
The Delayed Party
Rohit was destined to debut in 2010, but got injured on the morning of the match. Three years later, he finally got his cap at Eden Gardens (Sachin Tendulkar’s penultimate series). He made up for lost time with a stunning 177, batting with the lower order and showing incredible maturity.
The Prodigy
At just 18 years old, Shaw became the youngest Indian to score a Test century on debut. His 134 against West Indies in Rajkot was fearless, drawing comparisons to Sehwag for his high backlift and aggressive intent.
Playing at Kanpur, Shreyas Iyer showed steel and class. With the team in a tricky position, he composed a brilliant 105. He followed it up with a half-century in the second innings, becoming the first Indian to score a ton and a fifty in his maiden Test.
The Latest Sensation
The most recent entrant to this elite club is the young left-handed opener, Yashasvi Jaiswal. In July 2023, he debuted in Dominica and batted for days! His marathon knock of 171 was filled with patience and power, announcing him as the future of Indian batting.
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