Sachin and Virat- (Source:@Johns/X.com)
On Sunday, January 26, India is celebrating its 76th Republic Day. It is a special day in Indian history, and the nation is filled with pride. Talking about cricket, the Indian team is busy hosting England for a five-match T20I series.
At present, the Suryakumar Yadav-led side lead 2-0. Given the cricketing calendars, the players have to star in matches throughout the year and even during festivals, they have to report to duty. Meanwhile, India have had several of their matches on Republic Day in their cricketing history.
Meanwhile, this article will shed light on how the players did on Republic Day. It is worth noting that over the years only one Indian cricketer has smashed a century on a Republic Day match.
Virat Kohli sole cricketer to smash a century on Republic Day
Star India batter and former captain Virat Kohli is the only Indian to have a century to his name on Republic Day. He achieved the same during India's tour to Australia in 2012. It was the Adelaide Test where Virat had amassed a brilliant 116.
It is worth noting that Navjot Singh Siddhu too came close to script history in 1994 when he nearly became the first Indian to score a century on Republic Day but got out on 99 against Sri Lanka in the Bengaluru Test.
Further, Sachin and Virat got out in the 90s. Here is the complete list of the highest scores by Indian cricketers on Republic Day.
Indian Cricketers To Smash Century On Republic Day
Player | Opposition | Year | Score |
---|---|---|---|
Virat Kohli | Australia | 2012 | 116 |
Navjot Singh Siddhu | Sri Lanka | 1994 | 99 |
Sachin Tendulkar | Sri Lanka | 1994 | 96 |
Virat Kohli | Australia | 2016 | 90 |
MS Dhoni | Bangladesh | 2010 | 89 |
This year, India won't be playing any match on Republic Day, but they will lock horns against England for the 3rd T20I on Tuesday, January 28.