Top 5 fastest fifties by Indian batsmen on debut in test cricket

Let’s take a look at top 5 fastest fifties by Indian batters on debut in test cricket.

The debut performance of a cricketer in test cricket is often a defining moment in their career, marking the commencement of their journey for a team in the longest format of the game. In Indian test cricket history, several batters have played very impactful knocks while making their debut in test cricket for the national side.

Apart from showing skills, resilience, and determination while playing debut test innings, there are just a few Indian batters who have reached their maiden half-century in quick time, which shows the young player’s adaptability and talent.

In this context, let’s dive into the top five fastest fifties by Indian batters on their debut in test cricket, exploring the remarkable instances when these young Indian batters made a significant impact on the Indian test cricketing landscape.

Top 5 fastest fifties by Indian batsmen on their debut in test cricket:

5. Prithvi Shaw – 56 balls vs West Indies, 2018:

Indian right-handed opening batter Prithvi Shaw made his test debut against the West Indies in 2018 while he was just 18 years and 329 days old. The opening batter smashed a 56-ball fifty and he became the youngest Indian batter to score a half-century on test debut. The aggressive innings came during the first test match in Rajkot of the India vs West Indies series in 2018.

The U-19 World Cup-winning captain Shaw, who made his test debut for India, hammered 134 runs off just 154 balls including 19 fours against West Indies. After reaching his ton, Shaw also became the youngest Indian and fourth-youngest overall to smash a century on test debut.

4. Shikhar Dhawan – 50 balls vs Australia, 2013:

Left-handed opening batter Shikhar Dhawan made his test debut during the famous India vs Australia test series in 2013. Dhawan, who is also known as ‘Gabbar,’ arrived on a high note when he smashed a 50-ball half-century during the third test match in Mohali against Australia.

During his debut test innings, Dhawan also smashed a 85-ball century, which was the fastest ton by a test debutant, breaking Gundappa Viswanath’s 44-year-old record. The left-handed batter amassed 187 runs in his maiden test innings and also hammered 33 boundaries and two huge sixes. Dhawan was also adjudged the Man of the Match for his impressive knock.

3. Hardik Pandya – 48 balls vs Sri Lanka, 2017:

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya made his test debut against Sri Lanka in Galle in the first test match of the three-match series in 2017. However, coming in at No. 8, where India were in commanding position (491/6), Pandya played a blistering knock and added some quick runs to India’s total.

All-rounder Pandya, who is known for his aggressive batting style, didn’t disappoint his selection in the team. The young batter smashed a 48-ball fifty, which was the second-fastest by an Indian player on his test debut at that time. The Indian all-rounder showcased his fearless stroke play, and eventually his knock helped India pile 600 runs on the board.

2. Sarfaraz Khan – 48 balls vs England, 2024:

Right-handed middle-order batter Sarfaraz Khan made his test debut during the third test match in Rajkot of the five-match series against England in 2024. Sarfaraz, who is now regarded as one of the best batters in the Indian domestic circuit, made a statement while playing his debut test knock against the English side.

The 26-year-old Sarfaraz hammered a 48-ball maiden-test fifty, which is now the joint-second fastest half-century by an Indian batter on his test debut. The right-handed batter came in when skipper Rohit Sharma departed after scoring 131 runs. In quick time, Sarfaraz took India to the 300-run mark.

Unfortunately the youngster fell prey to a direct hit by Mark Wood after a miscommunication with Ravindra Jadeja. During his stay at the crease, Sarfaraz made 62 runs off 66 balls.

1. Yuvraj of Patiala – 42 balls vs England, 1934

The record for smashing the fastest fifty on a test debut for India is owned by a lesser-known player, Yuvraj of Patiala. The former Indian cricketer made his test debut during the England series in 1934 in Chennai. The right-handed batter played a counter-attacking knock where Yuvraj smashed his maiden test half-century in just 42 balls before getting out on 60 runs. However, this was also his only official test match.

The former Indian cricketer, Yuvraj, belonged to the royal family of Patiala. He served as India’s ambassador to Holland from 1971 until his death in 1975.

(All stats updated till 16th February, 2024)

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