Discover Indian cricketer who scored century on ODI debut the inspiring story of KL Rahul, the Indian cricketer who scored a century on his ODI debut. Learn about the match, stats, and his rise to stardom in Indian cricket.
Introduction
In the rich legacy of Indian cricket, debut centuries are rare and celebrated moments. Scoring a century on debut is not just about numbers—it’s about making a bold statement. One such remarkable achievement was etched into history when KL Rahul scored a century on his ODI debut against Zimbabwe in June 2016. This feat made him the first Indian cricketer to score a century on ODI debut, a moment that firmly established him as one of India’s most promising batting talents.
Table of Contents
Who Is KL Rahul?
Kannur Lokesh Rahul, widely known as KL Rahul, is an Indian international cricketer known for his stylish stroke play and versatility. Born on April 18, 1992, in Mangalore, Karnataka, Rahul rose through the ranks of domestic cricket and made his mark in the Indian Premier League (IPL) before earning his national call-up.
Before his ODI debut, Rahul had already played in the Test format for India and impressed with a century in his second Test match. But it was the limited-overs stage that truly allowed him to showcase his range.
The Historic Century on ODI Debut
On June 11, 2016, India played against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club. KL Rahul was handed his ODI debut and opened the innings. What followed was a sublime knock that displayed both maturity and flair. Rahul remained not out on 100 runs off 115 balls, guiding India to a comfortable 9-wicket victory.
Key Highlights from the Match:
- Opponent: Zimbabwe
- Venue: Harare Sports Club
- Date: June 11, 2016
- Score: 100* off 115 balls
- Strike Rate: 86.95
- Fours/Sixes: 7 Fours, 1 Six
- Result: India won by 9 wickets
This performance not only secured a win but also etched Rahul’s name in the record books as the first-ever Indian to score a century on ODI debut.
Impact on KL Rahul’s Career
Rahul’s debut century turned out to be a game-changer. It fast-tracked his growth in the Indian team across all formats. Known for his adaptability, he has since played as:
- An opener in ODIs and T20Is
- A middle-order batsman
- A backup wicketkeeper
- A reliable performer in ICC tournaments
Rahul’s calm temperament and technique make him a dependable player in high-pressure situations. His ability to anchor innings or accelerate when needed has helped India in many crucial games since his debut.
Why KL Rahul’s Debut Century Matters
In Indian cricket, where expectations are sky-high, performing on debut is never easy. Rahul’s century stood out because:
- It showed confidence and maturity beyond his age.
- It set a benchmark for future debutants.
- It demonstrated India’s growing bench strength in limited-overs cricket.
More than just a statistic, his debut ton was a statement—a message that India had found another versatile batting star for the future.
Other Indian Players Who Came Close
While KL Rahul remains the only Indian with a century on ODI debut, several others have scored 90+ runs on debut but fell short of the three-figure mark. His feat becomes even more special considering the pressure and expectations that come with wearing the Indian jersey for the first time.
Final Thoughts
KL Rahul’s century on ODI debut is one of those rare cricketing moments that instantly become part of folklore. It showcased his composure, class, and hunger to succeed on the biggest stage. As he continues to represent India in all formats, fans will always remember the day he made history in Harare.
Who was the first Indian cricketer to score a century on ODI debut?
KL Rahul was the first Indian to score a century on his ODI debut against Zimbabwe in 2016.
Where did KL Rahul score his debut century?
He scored it at Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe.
How many runs did KL Rahul score on his ODI debut?
He scored an unbeaten 100 runs.