Top 5 Fastest Centuries by Indians in World Cup History

Rohit Sharma celebrating his hundred in Delhi. (AP)

Participating in a World Cup is an immense honor for any cricketer, and the aspiration to perform exceptionally well in the tournament is shared by every player involved. Setting records in the World Cup not only elevates an individual's achievement but also imprints their name in the books of cricket history on the grandest stage imaginable. Whether these records contribute to a win or a loss, whether it's a century or a five-wicket haul, such moments become indelible, forever etched in the memories of those witnessing the cricketing spectacle.

In contemporary cricket, the dominance of batters is evident, particularly during global events like the World Cup where pitches often favor runs. The ongoing 2023 World Cup exemplifies this trend, with batsmen consistently rewriting records. Glenn Maxwell set a new mark for the fastest World Cup hundred in Delhi against Sri Lanka, achieving the feat in just 40 balls. 

Aiden Markram followed suit with the second-fastest hundred at the same venue. Focusing on the Indian batting prowess, captain Rohit Sharma initially established the record for the fastest World Cup hundred by an Indian in Delhi against Afghanistan. However, the narrative took a swift turn when Vice-captain KL Rahul surpassed Rohit's record against the Netherlands on November 12, reaching his century in just 62 balls, one ball quicker than Rohit's feat.

Let us look at the fastest centuries by an Indian in cricket World Cups

5) Virat Kohli (83 balls vs Bangladesh, 2011 World Cup)

Kohli celebrating his maiden World Cup hundred. (AP(

While this match is often highlighted for Virender Sehwag's remarkable 175, a young Virat Kohli also played a pivotal role by scoring an unbeaten century, contributing to a crucial partnership with the experienced opener. This partnership helped the Men in Blue to set a formidable total of 370/4. Despite Bangladesh attempting to put up a fight in their response, they could only reach 283/9, resulting in a comprehensive victory for the Men in Blue.

Kohli stepped onto the field when India was already comfortably positioned at 155/2. His arrival seemed to ignite the team's momentum further, propelling the Men in Blue to an unstoppable performance. The combination of Sehwag and Kohli proved to be double trouble for the Bangla Tigers, forging a substantial 203-run partnership for the third wicket. Kohli's unbeaten century, crafted from 83 balls, featured eight fours and two sixes, solidifying India's dominance in the match.

4) Virender Sehwag (81 balls vs Bermuda, 2007 World Cup)

Virender Sehwag playing a shot. (AFP)

During India's game against Bermuda at the 2007 Cricket World Cup in Port of Spain, Sehwag put on a spectacular performance, amassing 114 runs off 87 balls. His innings included 17 fours and three sixes, contributing significantly to India's highest World Cup total of 413 runs at the conclusion of 50 overs. Initially batting at number 3, Sehwag commenced cautiously, gradually finding his rhythm as time progressed.

As he settled into his innings, Sehwag's signature strokes through the off-side emerged, reminiscent of his classic touch. Achieving his half-century in 43 balls, his cuts and drives were marked by brilliance. Buoyed by growing confidence, he accelerated his scoring rate, introducing a variety of strokes to reach the century just 38 balls later.

3) Kapil Dev (72 balls vs Zimbabwe, 1983 World Cup)

Kapil Dev playing shot down the ground. (X.com)

The first non-West Indian and first Indian captain to secure a World Cup trophy for India in 1983, Kapil Dev, held the record for the fastest century by an Indian in the World Cup for nearly four decades until Rahul surpassed it. Kapil's historic innings saw him score an unbeaten 175 runs off 138 balls, featuring 16 fours and six sixes. This remarkable performance set a formidable target of 267 runs before dismissing Zimbabwe for 235 in the 1983 World Cup.

In an era when run-scoring was a challenging feat, Kapil achieved his century in a mere 72 balls. Regarded as the 'Greatest ODI innings of all time,' this innings holds significant importance. During this match, India found themselves in a precarious position at 17/5 when Captain Kapil came to bat, single-handedly rescuing India and securing the first-ever ODI century by an Indian batter. Moreover, this century proved to be a pivotal moment for eventual champions India, as the match was a do-or-die situation for them.

2) Rohit Sharma (63 balls vs Afghanistan, 2023 World Cup)

Rohit Sharma scored a brisk hundred against Afghanistan. (AP)

Rohit Sharma's seventh century in the ODI World Cup history and first in the 2023 World Cup against Afghanistan, marked the quickest century of his World Cup career, achieved in a mere 63 balls. In that particular match, Afghanistan set a target of 273 runs, posting a total of 272/8 in their allotted 50 overs. Chasing 273, India needed a strong start, and Rohit Sharma delivered precisely that. Displaying aggressive intent from the outset, he maintained the same tempo throughout his innings, taking on the Afghanistan bowlers with confidence and aggression.

Rohit concluded his innings with an impressive 131 runs off 84 deliveries, embellished with 16 boundaries and five sixes.

KL Rahul (62 balls vs Netherlands, 2023 World Cup)

KL Rahul celebrates his second World Cup ton in Bengaluru. (AP)

Hometown bound KL Rahul put on an exhibition of batting by smashing the fastest hundred by an Indian in World Cups in Bengaluru. Coming to the crease when India was at 200/3 in the 29th over, Rahul exhibited seamless synchronization on a solid surface. Building upon the foundation laid by the top three batters, Rahul's innings was marked by class and composure.

Throughout his knock, Rahul maintained an elegant and composed style. Initially appearing to play a supporting role to Shreyas Iyer, once he reached his half-century, Rahul unleashed a barrage of boundaries, taking control of the game. The crescendo of his innings came in the final over of India's innings when he reached the coveted century milestone. Rahul concluded his innings with a spectacular 102 from 64 balls, adorned with 11 fours and four sixes.

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