Who is the First Indian to Score 100 in All International Cricket Formats?
Cricket has evolved significantly over the years, moving from the traditional five-day Test matches to the fast-paced T20 Internationals. Amidst this evolution, certain players have not only adapted but thrived across formats. Scoring a century (100 runs) in each of the three international formats—Tests, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is)—is considered a rare and elite achievement. In the context of Indian cricket, one player stands out as the trailblazer in this domain.
The Milestone: A Century Across All Formats
Scoring a century in all three formats of the game requires not only technical skill but also adaptability, mental strength, and the ability to perform under varying conditions. Each format demands a different approach:
- Tests require patience and technique.
- ODIs demand a balance between aggression and stability.
- T20Is call for explosive batting and innovation.
Few players in the world have managed this feat, and from India, Suresh Raina was the first-ever Indian cricketer to score centuries in all three formats of international cricket.
Suresh Raina: India’s Format-Spanning Centurion
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Suresh Raina, a left-handed middle-order batsman from Uttar Pradesh, made his international debut in 2005 in an ODI against Sri Lanka. Known for his aggressive style of play, electric fielding, and finishing abilities, Raina soon became a crucial part of India’s limited-overs squad.
He earned praise for his ability to play spin, contribute in the field, and take on pressure situations. Despite facing challenges in cementing his place in the Test squad, he continued to be a match-winner in the shorter formats.
The Journey to Centuries in All Formats
Let’s look at the details of Raina’s centuries across all three international formats:
1. Test Century
- Opponent: Sri Lanka
- Venue: Colombo (PSS)
- Date: July 26–30, 2010
- Score: 120 runs
- Match Context: Raina scored a century on his Test debut, becoming the twelfth Indian to do so. His partnership with Sachin Tendulkar was crucial in drawing the match.
2. ODI Century
- Opponent: Hong Kong
- Venue: Karachi (Asia Cup)
- Date: June 25, 2008
- Score: 101*
- Match Context: Raina’s maiden ODI hundred came in a dominant win for India. His stroke-filled innings showcased his ability to anchor and accelerate when needed.
3. T20I Century
- Opponent: South Africa
- Venue: Gros Islet, St Lucia (ICC World T20)
- Date: May 2, 2010
- Score: 101
- Match Context: Raina became only the third batsman in T20I history at the time to score a century. His knock helped India post a formidable total and underlined his prowess in the shortest format.
A Historic First for India
With his T20I century in 2010, Suresh Raina became the first Indian cricketer to score centuries in all three formats of international cricket—a monumental achievement reflecting his versatility.
Global Context
At the time, very few cricketers globally had achieved this feat. Raina joined an elite group of cricketers like:
- Chris Gayle (West Indies)
- Brendon McCullum (New Zealand)
- Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka)
Raina’s Legacy in Indian Cricket
While Raina’s career had its ups and downs, especially in the longer format, his contribution to Indian cricket is widely acknowledged:
- Key Member of 2011 World Cup Winning Team
Raina played crucial knocks in the quarter-final and semi-final. - T20 Pioneer
He was among the first Indian players to embrace the aggressive approach needed in T20 cricket. - Fielding Standards
Raina was one of India’s best fielders during his time and set new benchmarks for athleticism on the field. - IPL Success
A stalwart for Chennai Super Kings, Raina was once the highest run-scorer in IPL history.
Other Indians Who Later Achieved This Feat
Following in Raina’s footsteps, other Indian players have also scored centuries in all three formats:
1. Rohit Sharma
- Known for his elegant batting and big scores, Rohit has multiple double centuries in ODIs and centuries in both Tests and T20Is.
2. KL Rahul
- Another versatile batter, Rahul achieved this feat by scoring centuries in Tests, ODIs, and a stunning 110* in T20Is.
These players followed the trail first blazed by Suresh Raina, who showed Indian batsmen the way to excel across formats.
Conclusion
Suresh Raina’s name is etched in Indian cricket history as the first Indian to score centuries in all three formats—Test, ODI, and T20I. His adaptability, aggression, and flair made him a true modern cricketer. While he may not have enjoyed a prolonged Test career, his contribution to Indian cricket, especially in the white-ball formats, remains invaluable.
His legacy is not only defined by numbers but also by the inspiration he provided to the next generation of multi-format players. As Indian cricket continues to evolve, Raina’s feat stands tall as a testament to skill, versatility, and perseverance.
FAQs
❓ Who is the first Indian to score 100 in all three formats of international cricket?
Suresh Raina is the first Indian to score centuries in Test, ODI, and T20I formats.
❓ Who are other Indians with 100s in all formats?
Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul are among the Indian cricketers who later achieved this feat.
❓ When did Suresh Raina score his T20I century?
On May 2, 2010, against South Africa during the ICC World T20 in the West Indies.
❓ How many international centuries does Suresh Raina have?
Raina has:
- 1 Test century
- 5 ODI centuries
- 1 T20I century
