Century on Debut: The Indian Cricketer Who Made History in His First ODI Match

Scoring a century in any international match is a massive achievement—but doing so on debut? That’s the stuff of legends. In the rich history of Indian cricket, only a select few players have managed this rare feat in One Day Internationals (ODIs). The answer to the question "Which Indian cricketer scored a century on his ODI debut?" is KL Rahul.

KL Rahul: A Debut to Remember

• Full Name: Kannur Lokesh Rahul
• ODI Debut Date: June 11, 2016
• Opponent: Zimbabwe
• Venue: Harare Sports Club
• Score: 100* off 115 balls
• Result: India won by 9 wickets

KL Rahul made his ODI debut against Zimbabwe in 2016. Despite debut pressure, he scored an unbeaten 100 and led India to a comfortable victory. He became the first Indian male cricketer to score a century on ODI debut.

Why KL Rahul’s Century Was Special

• Historical Significance: First-ever Indian male cricketer to score a debut ODI century.
• Opening Brilliance: Displayed calmness and maturity at the top of the order.
• Format Versatility: Proved his capability in all formats of the game.

Other Notable Indian ODI Debuts

While KL Rahul made history, a few other Indian players came close:

• Robin Uthappa – Scored 86 in his debut ODI vs England (2006)
• Suresh Raina & Virat Kohli – Had modest starts to their ODI careers
• Mithali Raj & Reshma Gandhi (Women’s cricket) – Both scored centuries on ODI debut

Global Context: Century on ODI Debut

Scoring a century on debut is a rare achievement globally. Other international cricketers who achieved this feat include:

• Desmond Haynes (West Indies)
• Andy Flower (Zimbabwe)
• Temba Bavuma (South Africa)

Conclusion

KL Rahul’s ODI debut century is a remarkable milestone in Indian cricket history. It exemplifies the perfect balance of talent, opportunity, and composure. With this century, Rahul didn’t just announce his arrival—he etched his name in cricketing history.

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