5 Indian batsmen who bagged MOMT Award on Test debut
India’s Test team has gone strength to strength over the years with the nation producing one prominent cricketer after another. In Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Anil Kumble and Rahul Dravid, India have had services of many legends of the game. While some players take some time to understand the drill of international cricket, many make a mark straightaway.
As far as the batters are concerned, scoring runs in Test matches is never easy in any condition. However, the challenge becomes more daunting when one is standing in his debut game. With the best bowlers from a nation being in action, not many are able to impress in their maiden Test match. Fortunately for India, there have been quite a few players, who have been able to do so.
Let’s look at five Indian batters who bagged Player-of-the-Match awards on Test debut:
Pravin Amre vs South Africa in 1992
While Pravin Amre is one of the most reputed Indian coaches nowadays, he enjoyed a decent run as a player as well. Making his debut in South Africa in 1992, Amre put up a batting exhibition and slammed a brilliant hundred in Durban. While the game ended in a draw, the former Indian batter received the Player-of-the-Match award for his brilliant knock.
Shikhar Dhawan vs Australia in 2013
Majorly known for his blitzes in white-ball cricket, Shikhar Dhawan made a terrific start to his Test career. It was the 2013 Test series against Australia and the venue was Mohali. The hosts looked on backfoot after the Aussies posted 408 while batting first. However, Dhawan made a mockery of Aussie bowlers and scored 187 runs. India eventually won the contest by six wickets and Dhawan was adjudged the Player of the Match.
Rohit Sharma vs West Indies in 2013
After years of wait, Rohit Sharma finally made his Test debut against West Indies at his happy-hunting ground, Eden Gardens in Kolkata. India looked in all sorts of trouble as the top-order couldn’t click. However, Rohit showed no signs of nervousness on his Test debut and scored a match-winning 177. India eventually won that contest by an innings and 51 runs with Rohit getting the prestigious award.
Prithvi Shaw vs West Indies in 2018
Following Rohit’s footsteps, Prithvi Shaw also troubled West Indies bowlers on Test debut. It was the first Test of the 2018 series in Rajkot. The then 18-year-old attacked Caribbean bowlers from the onset and scored runs all over the park. As his 134 took India to an innings victory, the dashing opener was named the Player of the Match.
Shreyas Iyer vs New Zealand in 2021
The latest entrant on this list is Shreyas Iyer, who made his Test debut against New Zealand in November. The young batter brought his team out of trouble with a hundred in his maiden outing. If that’s not impressive enough, Iyer also scored 65 in India’s second innings. While the resulted in a draw, the 26-year-old received the Player-of-the-Match award.
