While India have produced many great batters in international cricket, some of the legends have managed fantastic starts on their respective debut matches. This article introduces the Indian Test debutants who recorded 50+ scores in both innings.
Although many Indian Test debutants have shined with the bat, only four Indian batters have recorded 50+ scores in both innings on their Test debuts.
Indian Test debutants with 50+ scores in both innings
Player | Runs scored (1st & 2nd innings) | Opposition | Venue | Year |
Dilawar Hussain | 59 & 57 | England | Kolkata | 1934 |
Sunil Gavaskar | 65 & 67* | West Indies | Port of Spain | 1971 |
Shreyas Iyer | 105 & 65 | New Zealand | Kanpur | 2021 |
Sarfaraz Khan | 62 & 68* | England | Rajkot | 2024 |
(Updated as of 18 February 2024)
Dilawar Hussain — 59 & 57 vs England (1934 Kolkata Test)
Wicketkeeper Dilawar Hussain was the first Indian to record 50+ scores in both innings on Test debut. It was the India vs England Kolkata Test in 1934, where Hussain opened the Indian innings and scored 59 runs during the second innings of the match. On following on, the right-handed batter scored 57 runs at the no.7 position.
Sunil Gavaskar — 65 & 67* vs West Indies (1971 Port of Spain Test)
The 1971 Port of Spain Test was historic in Indian cricket due to India’s first Test match victory against West Indies as the visitors won by seven wickets. Legendary Indian right-handed batter Sunil Gavaskar strongly started his Test career. After scoring 65 runs as an opener in the second innings of the match, opener Gavaskar remained not out on 67 runs in the successful fourth innings chase.
Shreyas Iyer — 105 & 65 vs New Zealand (2021 Kanpur Test)
During the 2021 Kanpur Test between India and New Zealand, Shreyas Iyer became the first Indian to score a century and a fifty on Test debut. After scoring 105 runs at no.5 in the first innings of the Test match, the right-handed batter Iyer scored another crucial 65 runs at no.5 during the third innings. Although India closely failed to win that Test match, Iyer won the Player of the Match award.
Sarfaraz Khan — 62 & 68* vs England (2024 Rajkot Test)
After a long wait, Sarfaraz Khan finally made his Test debut during the 2024 Rajkot Test against England. In both innings of that Test match, the 26-year-old right-handed batter scored half-centuries. Before his unlucky run out in the first innings, Khan scored 62 runs. In the second innings, he remained not out on 68 runs.
