OTD 2013: Shikhar Dhawan fastest Test century on Debut

On March 18, 2013, left-handed batter Shikhar Dhawan produced one of the most sensational debut performances in Test cricket history, scoring the fastest century on debut and leading India’s dominant response against Australia national cricket team in the third Test at Mohali.

Chasing Australia’s first-innings total of 408, Dhawan stole the spotlight with a breathtaking knock. The opener brought up his century in just 85 balls, breaking the previous record of a 93-ball ton held by Dwayne Smith against South Africa in 2004. His innings was not just about speed but also authority, as he went on to score a remarkable 187 off 174 balls, laced with 33 fours and two sixes.

Dhawan’s innings also became the highest score by an Indian debutant at the time, surpassing Gundappa Viswanath’s 137 set in 1969. He formed a formidable opening partnership with Murali Vijay, who provided solid support with an unbeaten 83 as India raced to 283/0 at stumps on Day 3.

Earlier, Australia had resumed their innings at 273/7 and were eventually bowled out for 408. Mitchell Starc narrowly missed out on a century, scoring 99, while Steve Smith contributed 92. Their partnership added valuable runs, but India’s bowlers, including Pragyan Ojha and Ishant Sharma, ensured the total remained within reach.

In reply, Dhawan came out with an aggressive mindset, taking on the Australian attack from the outset. He particularly targeted bowlers like Moises Henriques and Nathan Lyon, scoring freely all around the ground. His fifty came at better than a run-a-ball, and he continued the assault to bring up his century in dramatic fashion, aided by overthrows while completing a risky single.

The partnership with Vijay flourished, crossing 200 runs as Dhawan dominated the scoring. Vijay, meanwhile, reached his half-century off 103 balls, complementing Dhawan’s attacking approach. The duo ensured India seized complete control of the match.

India eventually won the Test by six wickets, sealing a comprehensive 4-0 series victory at home. Dhawan’s unforgettable debut innings remains one of the finest in Test history, marking the arrival of a fearless opener who filled the void left by Virender Sehwag in emphatic fashion. Overall, Dhawan scored 2315 Test runs in 34 matches at an average of 40.61 including seven hundreds and five fifties.

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