Before Rohit Sharma, these three Indian batsmen hit a century in their maiden innings as Test opener

#2. Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan Prithvi Shaw Prithvi Shaw.

The southpaw may no longer be in reckoning as far as India’s Test squad is concerned, but, in his very first innings as Test opener, which was also his debut game, he pulverised the Aussie bowlers like few have done in history.

Dhawan made his debut at Mohali in the 3rd Test of the 2013 series against Australia played from March 14-18. India were under pressure with Aussies having posted 408 on board courtesy 90s from Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc. Dhawan, however, came in and batted as if he always belonged here.

Launching a brutal assault on the Aussies, he smashed a memorable 187 from merely 174 balls, with 33 fours and two sixes at a strike rate of 107.47. Reputed Aussie bowlers like Starc, Peter Siddle and Nathan Lyon had no answer to Dhawan’s brilliance on the day. India went on to win the Test by six wickets.

Following Dhawan’s heroics, hopes were raised that he could be Virender Sehwag’s replacement in Test cricket. It proved to be a futile hope, though.

#1. Prithvi Shaw

The Mumbai youngster, who is currently serving a eight-month ban after failing a dope test, was the most recent Indian opener to notch up a hundred in his first innings as opener. Like Dhawan, he also achieved the feat on debut, against West Indies at Rajkot in the first Test of the series played from October 4 to 6.

India batted first after winning the toss, and Shaw showed no signs of nerves as he eased his way to a century at a swift pace. The talented batsman ended up making 134 from 154 balls with 19 fours, and was eventually dismissed caught and bowled by Devendra Bishoo. During the course of the innings, Shaw became the 15th Indian to score a hundred on Test debut, and the youngest in the elite list.

Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja also got hundreds in the same innings as India posted a mammoth 649 for 9 declared, and won the Test by an innings and 272 runs.

Comparisons were made between Dhawan and Sehwag.