How Many Indians Have Scored A Century In Their ODI Debut?

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

KL Rahul and Virat Kohli [Source: @cool_rahulfan/x.com]KL Rahul and Virat Kohli [Source: @cool_rahulfan/x.com]

South Africa is currently taking on New Zealand in the second match of the ODI tri-series in Pakistan. Matthew Breetzke, the South African opener in the game, scored a century in ODI debut. He became the fourth South African to do this.

As Breetzke entered into this elusive list, the question might arise among Indian cricket fans as to how many Indian cricketers have achieved this feat. In this article, we will try to answer this question. 

Only One Indian Cricketers Has Scored A Century In ODI Debut

KL Rahul is the only Indian cricketer who has scored a century in his ODI debut. Rahul made his ODI debut against Zimbabwe at Harare in 2016.

In the match, Zimbabwe batted first and were bundled out for 168 runs. Elton Chigumbura was the highest scorer for Zimbabwe, with 41 runs off 65 deliveries. Jasprit Bumrah starred with the ball for India, picking up four wickets for 28 runs in his 9.5 overs.

KL Rahul was sent to open the innings for India with Karun Nair. India lost Nair early, but Rahul combined with Ambati Rayudu to take the team to a convincing win. The Indian opener scored 100 unbeaten runs off 115 deliveries and became the first seven Indian to score a century in ODI debut. In the end, India won the match by nine wickets with 45 balls remaining. 

Since 43 Indian players have made debuts in ODIs, no one has yet achieved this rare feat.