4 lesser-known players who scored an ODI hundred for India

India has always been known for producing some extraordinary batting talents who've piled-up several batting records in International cricket.

The competition in the batting department has always been severe. A batsman has to deliver from day one to cement his position when playing for the Men in Blue.

But sadly, of the 38 players who've scored One Day International hundreds for the Indian cricket team, only a few are household names.

In this list, we talk about some of those not-so-popular names who managed to reach the triple figures while playing in the blue jersey.

Unsurprisingly, they all just managed a single ton in their limited overs career which is why they haven't established names in the eyes of Indian fans.

However, we would like to point this out that scoring a century for the national team is without a doubt an achievement par excellence as managing to play for a team representing over one billion people in a cricket crazy nation is an achievement in itself. Scoring a ton only adds to that achievement.

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#4 Dinesh Mongia

Dinesh Mongia's One Day career lasted for almost six years in which he played 57 games for the country. His average of under 28 clearly highlights the reason behind his short career.

He made his debut at the start of the twenty-first century on the back of some outstanding performances in the domestic circuit.

His left-handed batting wasn't as graceful as some of the best lefties seen by the world of cricket but he had the ability to play some very attacking strokes.

Nonetheless, he had his big moment when he scored a massive 159 not out against Zimbabwe back in 2002 to win his first and only Man of the Match award in international cricket.

He was a part of the Indian team that reached the final of 2003 Cricket World Cup but failed to shine in the presence of heavyweights in the batting department.

Following the World Cup, he went on to play club cricket in England after being dropped from the national side.

However, he couldn't replicate his incredible performance from that Zimbabwe game in the future and with doubts regarding his technique gaining momentum, he was finally axed from the side in 2007.

#3 Hemang Badani

Hemang Badani scored a hundred against Australia

A left-handed middle order batsman, Badani made his debut back in 2000 against Bangladesh.

His One Day career was quite short as it lasted for just four years with his last ODI being against Pakistan played back at the start of 2004.

His only hundred in ODIs came against Australia in a losing cause back in 2001. He was one of those Indian players who risked their careers by joining the rebel Indian Cricket League.

In total, he played 40 ODIs for Team India and his batting average of around 33 meant that he was certainly not at the level required to have a long career for Indian Cricket team.

#2 Woorkeri Raman

Woorkeri Raman's century was the first by an Indian player against South Africa

Another left-handed batsman who showed some spark in his early days but sadly couldn't sustain that level.

Interestingly, Raman started off as a spinner in test cricket and even went on to pick his first victim in the very first over he bowled in the format. He played for Tamil Nadu in the domestic circuit with his highest score being a triple hundred against Goa.

Raman's only international hundred came against South Africa in a winning cause. The impressive innings of 114 also earned him his only Man of the Match award as well.

This was also the first ever century scored by an Indian against South Africa. He's currently indulged in coaching activities.

1.Raman Lamba

Raman Lamba (fourth from the left in the back row) scored a ton in a losing cause against the Aussies

Lamba was known for his impressive fitness back in the day. He played 32 ODIs for Team India in the late eighties and could only manage an average of 27.

The young man lost his life while playing the game he loved, back in 1998 at the age of just 38. He was hit on the temple by the ball while fielding during a game. His only century came back in 1986 against Australia in a closely fought game which India unfortunately lost.

He was one of those fielders who used to field at the dangerous short-leg position without a helmet and that ultimately became the reason for his untimely demise.

The former Indian star played club cricket in Ireland as well as in Bangladesh.

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Did we miss out on any players? Let us know in the comments section below!