Top 5 Fastest Fifties For India On Test Debut

image-lsojzbqaSarfaraz Khan in Test for India (x.com)

Indian cricket fans always anticipate the emergence of new talents making a memorable debut on the international stage, particularly in the challenging format of Test cricket. Although crafting successful innings in one’s debut Test match is no easy feat, a select few have managed to shine brightly on their India Test debuts, etching their names in history with the fastest fifties.

Making a debut in a Test match can be a daunting task for any cricketer. The pressure and scrutiny are intense. However, some cricketers rise above the occasion. Sarfaraz Khan, who score a blazing knock in his debut innings against England in the third Test held in Rajkot.

At CricketOne, let's look at the top 5 fastest fifties for India on test Debut. 

1. Yadavindra Singh (1934) vs England 

Yuvraj of Patiala was a member of the royal family and was known for his extravagant way of living. He holds the record for smashing the fastest fifty on Test debut for India. Yuvraj achieved this feat in just 42 balls during his first Test match, which also happened to be his only official Test match. 

The match was played in Chennai in 1934 against England. In the fourth innings, England batted first and set a huge target of 452 runs for India. Yuvraj, whose full name was Yadavindra Singh, came to bat at number seven when India was struggling at 125/5.

2. Sarfaraz Khan (2024) vs England 

image-lsol5c1tSarfaraz Khan played an exceptional innings (X.COM)

On his long-awaited Test debut, Sarfaraz Khan played an exceptional innings, becoming the latest entrant on the list. The 26-year-old had to wait for more than two sessions for his chance to come. He played almost every ball on its merit, looking like a well-oiled machine, rather than a rookie facing an international side for the first time. The right-hander then accelerated and helped India reach 300 runs in no time.

Sarfaraz hit nine boundaries and a solitary six, reaching his first fifty in 48 balls. Unfortunately, he was dismissed for 62 off 66 after a miscommunication with Ravindra Jadeja led to a direct hit by Mark Wood. 

3. Hardik Pandya (2017) vs Sri Lanka

image-lsolji2nHardik Pandya in test (X.COM)

In 2017, Hardik Pandya made his Test debut against Sri Lanka in Galle, where he showcased an authoritative knock. When he came to bat, India's score was already 491/6 and they were looking to add more runs to their total. Pandya, the young all-rounder who is known for his aggressive batting style, did not disappoint. 

He played fearlessly and hit the ball to the ropes with disdain. Even though the wickets were falling around him, Pandya remained unfazed and scored his fifty in just 48 balls, which was the second-fastest by an Indian on Test debut at that time. 

4. Shikhar Dhawan (2013) vs Australia

image-lsolqp5oShikhar Dhawan in test (X.COM)

Shikhar Dhawan's Test debut against Australia in 2013 was a remarkable performance, the left-handed batsman scored an impressive 187 runs in his first Test innings, putting the Australian bowling attack completely under pressure.

Dhawan's arrival on the big stage was marked with flair and style, as he reached his half-century at a run-a-ball rate. He then went on to score a century off just 85 balls, which was the fastest century by a Test debutant at the time. 

5. Prithvi Shaw (2018) vs West Indies

image-lsom2sqwPrithvi Shaw in Test vs West Indies (X.COM)

Although a 56-ball fifty is impressive, it is the significance and impact of Prithvi Shaw's knock that makes it stand out. At just 18 years and 329 days old, he became the youngest Indian and fourth-youngest overall to score a century on Test debut. 

 In his Test debut, Shaw opened the innings and scored 134 runs off just 154 balls, including 19 fours, demonstrating his aggressive style while also making good shot selections. Entry into Test cricket against West Indies in 2018 was nothing short of sensational.