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First Century of Indian Batsmen in 90s That Every Fan Still Remembers

First Century of Indian Batsmen in 90s That Every Fan Still Remembers

M
Manoj K
Staff Writer
📅 April 4, 2026
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First Century of Indian Batsmen in 90s

There was a time when watching cricket meant adjusting the TV antenna, sitting cross-legged on the floor, and waiting for that magical moment when a batsman reached 100. This story explores ‘First Century of Indian Batsmen in 90s’.

No instant notifications. No YouTube highlights.
Just patience, excitement, and that sudden roar – “Centuryyyyy!”

The first century of Indian batsmen was not just a milestone. They were emotional moments. Moments that made us jump from our seats, call our friends, and feel proud in a way only cricket could make us feel.

Let’s go back to those days.

Sachin Tendulkar – The First Spark of Greatness

1990, Manchester.

A 17-year-old boy with curly hair and a baby face. standing against a strong England attack. Nobody expected what was coming. When Sachin scored his first Test century (119*), it didn’t feel like a normal hundred. It felt like something had changed forever.

India was losing that match. Pressure was high. But this teenager stood firm. Shot after shot, with confidence beyond his age. That innings didn’t just save a match; it gave India a new hero.

In the story of the first century of Indian batsmen, this one stands at the very top. Because it wasn’t just the first, it was the beginning of a legend.

first century of Indian batsmen

Sourav Ganguly – A Dream Debut at Lord’s

Some players take time to settle. Some arrive as they belong.

Ganguly’s 131 at Lord’s in 1996 was pure class. Playing at the “Home of Cricket” and scoring a century on debut, this was not common. Every cover drive felt smooth. Every shot had a style.

For Indian fans watching on TV, it felt like:
“Yeh ladka alag hai……”

This innings wasn’t just about runs. It was about confidence. About attitude. About announcing to the world that India had found a future leader. Among the first century of Indian batsmen, Ganguly’s debut hundred remains one of the most iconic.

first century of Indian batsmen

Rahul Dravid – The Most Reliable Beginning

Rahul Dravid’s story is different. He missed a century on debut (95 at Lord’s), and many felt bad for him. But maybe that was just building the story. In 1997, against South Africa, he scored his first century (148). No flashy shots. No aggression. Just patience. Just technique. Just calmness.

Watching Dravid bat felt peaceful. In a team full of flair, he became “The Wall.” And this first century was the first brick of that wall.

When we talk about the first century of Indian batsmen, Dravid’s innings reminds us that not every hero needs to be loud.

first century of Indian batsmen

Mohammad Azharuddin – Pure Elegance

Azharuddin actually scored his first century in 1985. But in the 90s, he was already a superstar. Still, his early centuries defined his style – smooth and effortless. You didn’t watch Azhar for power. You watched him for beauty.

The way he flicked the ball through mid-wicket felt like an art. For many fans, Azhar’s batting was the reason they fell in love with cricket.

In the journey of the first century of Indian batsmen, Azhar represents elegance like no one else.

Mohammad Azharuddin - Pure Elegance

Ajay Jadeja – The Underrated Hero

Ajay Jadeja was not always in the spotlight. But when he played, he made sure we noticed. His first century showed his ability to control the game. He wasn’t just scoring runs; he was managing the innings. Fans trusted him.

Especially in ODIs, he became the player who could change the match in a few overs.

Among the first century of Indian batsmen, Jadeja’s stands out because it represents quiet confidence.

Ajay Jadeja - The Underrated Hero

Robin Singh – The Fighter’s Hundred

Robin Singh was never about style. He was about effort. Every run he scored looked hard-earned. His first century was not smooth; it was tough, challenging, and full of determination. And that’s why fans loved him.

He represented the middle-class dream: work hard, keep going, don’t give up.

In the list of first century of Indian batsmen, Robin Singh’s innings reminds us of pure hustle.

first century of Indian batsmen

Vinod Kambli – A Star That Rose Too Fast
Kambli’s story is emotional.

When he scored his early centuries, including a double century, people thought, this guy will be bigger than everyone. He had talent. Natural, effortless talent. His batting looked easy. Runs flowed quickly. For a moment, it felt like India had found another once-in-a-generation player.

In the journey of the first century of Indian batsmen, Kambli’s innings is filled with both excitement and “what if…”

first century of Indian batsmen

Navjot Singh Sidhu – The Comeback Story

Sidhu wasn’t always successful. He faced criticism. People doubted him. But his first century changed things. Slowly, he became confident. Later, he became known for hitting big sixes. “Sixer Sidhu” became a household name.

His journey reminds us that success doesn’t come instantly.

Among the first century of Indian batsmen, Sidhu’s story is about patience and comeback.

first century of Indian batsmen

Nayan Mongia – The Unexpected Surprise

In the 90s, wicketkeepers were not known for big batting performances. Then came Nayan Mongia. His 152 against Australia in 1997 shocked everyone. It wasn’t just a century, it was a statement.

It told us that even players we don’t expect can become heroes.

In the story of the first century of Indian batsmen, Mongia’s innings is a pleasant surprise.

Nayan Mongia - The Unexpected Surprise

Sanjay Manjrekar – Technique at Its Best

Manjrekar belonged to a different school of batting. Textbook shots. Perfect defense. Clean technique. His first century showed that you don’t always need aggression to succeed.

Watching him bat felt like watching a lesson in cricket.

Among the first century of Indian batsmen, Manjrekar represents discipline and correctness.

Sanjay Manjrekar - Technique at Its Best

Why These Centuries Still Feel Special

Today, centuries come fast. Matches are shorter. Highlights are instant.

But back then…

  • We waited hours to see a hundred
  • We celebrated like it was a festival
  • We remembered every shot

The first century of Indian batsmen was not just a record. They were emotions. They remind us of:

  • Family time in front of the TV
  • Radio commentary in the background
  • That one friend who always updated the score

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M
Manoj K
Staff Writer · NostalgicPosts

Manoj K covers stories from the golden era of Indian culture.

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