Top 5 youngest Indian batsmen to hit century in test cricket

India played their first test cricket match back in 1932.

Scoring a century in test cricket is a memorable moment for any batsman. Every teenager who grows up with a dream of becoming a cricketer, imagines himself to achieve this remarkable feat in the toughest format of the game. What makes this dream even better is achieving it at a young age.

The Indian cricket circuit has always been full of talented players. Over the years Indian cricket has seen many young superstars come into the team and deliver match-winning performances. With the biggest pool of aspiring cricketers in the world, India enjoys a luxury like no other nation.

On that note, let’s look at the top five youngest Indian batsmen to score a century in test cricket.

Here are the top five youngest Indian batsmen to hit a century in test cricket:

5. Madhav Apte – 20y 137d, 163* vs WI, 1953

Madhav Apte made his maiden century in test cricket at the age of 20 years and 137 days. He achieved this landmark against the West Indies in 1953. Opening the batting, Apte’s first innings performance was a horror show as he registered a duck.

In the second innings, though, the 20-year-old Apte redeemed himself by notching up a brilliant century against the fearsome West Indies bowling attack.

Madhav’s brilliance in the second innings helped India post a target of 327 for West Indies. The game ended in a draw with West Indies scoring 192/2 in their second innings.

4. Abbas Ali Baig – 20y 126d, 112 vs ENG, 1959

Abbas Ali Baig’s only test century of his career came against England in 1959 at Manchester at the age of 20 years and 126 days.

Abbas achieved this milestone in the second innings of the fourth test of India’s tour of England in 1959. Chasing a huge target of 548, Baig’s century was the only bright spot for India as they got bundled out for 376, giving England a 171-run win.

Abbas’ career did not soar as expected after the early success as he ended up with only 10 test matches to his name. His innings of 112 though is still considered among one of the best innings by a young Indian batter on foreign soil.

3. Kapil Dev – 20y 18d, 126* vs WI, 1979

Hailed as India’s greatest-ever all-rounder, Kapil Dev smashed his maiden test century against the mighty West Indies at Delhi in 1979 when he had not even turned 21 years old.

Winning the toss and batting first, 20-year-old Kapil guided India to a mammoth score of 566 in the first innings. Dev was at his explosive best as he only took 124 balls for his blistering knock of 126, comprising 11 fours and a six.

The game ended in a draw with the West Indies scoring 179/3 in their second innings. Kapil went on to become one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of test cricket, scoring over 5,000 runs and taking 434 wickets,

2. Prithvi Shaw – 18y 329d, 134 vs WI, 2018

Prithvi Shaw became a global sensation when he amassed 134 against West Indies at Rajkot in 2018 on his debut at the age of 18.

Prithvi showcased his class in the first innings of his test career which came at a rapid pace as he completed his century in just 99 balls, smashing 19 fours on the way. His innings helped India post a massive total of 649 and eventually seal the match by an innings and 272 runs.

1. Sachin Tendulkar – 17y 107d, 119* vs ENG, 1990

Topping the list is India’s greatest-ever test batsman, Sachin Tendulkar. Tendulkar made his maiden test hundred at the age of only 17 years and 107 days when he scored an unbeaten 119 against England at Old Trafford in 1990.

What made this innings special was the fact that it came under immense pressure of batting in the fourth innings. Chasing a total of 408, India were under the pump at a score of 109/4. Sachin’s unbeaten partnership of 160 runs with Manoj Prabhakar helped India save the test on the last day.

This innings was a trailer for what was about to come in Sachin’s legendary career. Sachin finished his test career with over 15000 runs and 51 centuries, a record which still stands tall 11 years after his retirement.

(All stats updated till 19th October, 2024)

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.