One Day International (ODI) is a limited-overs format of cricket played between two international teams, with each side facing a total number of 50 overs. The format strikes a balance between the longer Test format and the shorter T20s, offering both strategy and excitement. Key features include powerplays, fielding restrictions, and the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method for rain-affected matches. Over the years, ODIs have produced legendary performances and memorable moments, making them a crucial part of international cricket.
A debut in sports refers to a player’s first appearance in a professional or international match, marking the beginning of their career at that level. It is a significant milestone, often filled with excitement, pressure, and anticipation. A strong debut can set the tone for a player’s career, while a tough start often serves as a learning experience.
Here’s a list of the top 5 Indian batsmen with the highest score on ODI debut:
1: KL Rahul (100 runs vs Zimbabwe)
Indian versatile cricketer, KL Rahul is a technically sound batter known for his elegant stroke play and adaptability across all formats. ability to play both as an opener and in the middle order, along with his proficiency against pace and spin, makes him a key asset in the Indian setup. Rahul has shown great composure, shot selection, and the ability to anchor an innings.
In June 2016, KL Rahul made his ODI debut for the Indian Cricket Team against Zimbabwe, scoring a total of 100 runs from 115 balls, opening the innings for the men in blue.
2: Robin Uthappa (86 runs vs England)
Wicketkeeper Robin Uthappa was a naturally aggressive batsman, who impressed everyone with his impactful knock. His ability to attack from the outset, coupled with excellent hand-eye coordination, made him a dangerous top-order batsman. He was particularly known for his ability to play fearless cricket, dominate fast bowlers, and accelerate the run rate.
In April 2016, Robin Uthappa made his ODI debut for the Indian Cricket Team against England, scoring a total of 86 runs from 96 balls, opening the innings with captain Rahul Dravid.
3: Brijesh Patel (82 runs vs England)
Stylish right-handed batter, Brijesh Patel was known for his graceful stroke play and strong technique against both pace and spin. Although his international career was brief, Patel was a prolific domestic run-scorer for Karnataka. His ability to anchor an innings and play elegant strokes made him a reliable middle-order batsman in an era where aggressive batting was still evolving in Indian cricket.
In July 1974, Brijesh Patel made his ODI debut for the Indian Cricket Team against England, scoring a total of 82 runs from 78 balls, playing at four down.
4: Navjot Singh Sidhu (73 runs vs Australia)
Dependable top-order batsman, Navjot Singh Sidhu made a significant mark in the international cricket following his ODI debut. He transformed into a dynamic batsman with powerful hitting and an aggressive mindset. Sidhu was particularly effective against spinners, using his footwork to attack them with lofted shots. His ability to accelerate the scoring and build partnerships made him a vital player in India’s ODI setup
In October 1978, Navjot Singh Sidhu made his ODI debut for the Indian Cricket Team against Australia, scoring a total of 73 runs from 79 balls, playing the innings at number three.
5: Manish Pandey (71 runs vs Zimbabwe)
Right-handed batter, Manish Pandey is a stylish batter known for his agility on the field and consistent performances in domestic cricket. With his fluent stroke play, athletic fielding, and ability to finish games under pressure, Pandey has been a reliable limited-overs player. His biggest strength lies in his ability to rotate strike efficiently while also accelerating when needed.
In July 2015, Manish Pandey made his ODI debut for the Indian Cricket Team against Zimbabwe, scoring a total of 71 runs from 86 balls, batting at three down.
