India is regarded as one of the strongest teams in ODI cricket, with a storied history in the format. The team has clinched two ICC Cricket World Cups and two ICC Champions Trophies, cementing its position among the best in the world.
Though they haven’t won an ICC tournament in ODI cricket since 2013, India has maintained impressive consistency, often reaching the knockout stages of major tournaments. This reliability has made them a formidable force in world cricket, always a contender in global competitions.
5. KL Rahul – 62 Balls vs Netherlands, Bengaluru, 2023
KL Rahul played a pivotal role in India’s journey to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final, and one of his standout innings came against the Netherlands in the final group-stage match. Rahul raced to a 62-ball century, scoring 102 runs with 11 fours and 4 sixes. His brilliant knock, in partnership with Shreyas Iyer (208 runs), helped India post a mammoth total of 410 runs. India won the match by 160 runs, securing their spot in the next stage.
4. Mohammad Azharuddin – 62 Balls vs New Zealand, Baroda, 1988
Mohammad Azharuddin’s wristy elegance was on full display against New Zealand in the fourth ODI of the 1988 series in Baroda. Chasing a challenging 279-run target, India were struggling at 118/4 when Azharuddin arrived. Taking charge, he scored a brilliant 62-ball century, finishing unbeaten on 108 runs with 10 fours and 3 sixes. His match-winning partnership with Ajay Sharma (127 runs for the sixth wicket) guided India to a two-wicket victory, with 17 balls to spare.
3. Virat Kohli – 61 Balls vs Australia, Nagpur, 2013
Virat Kohli’s match-winning century in the second ODI of the 2013 India-Australia series is unforgettable. Chasing 360, Kohli scored a quick-fire 61-ball century and formed a 186-run unbeaten partnership with Rohit Sharma. His brilliant knock helped India win by nine wickets and level the seven-match series at 1-1, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
2. Virender Sehwag – 60 Balls vs New Zealand, Hamilton, 2009
Virender Sehwag’s aggressive batting style was evident when he scored a blistering 60-ball century against New Zealand in Hamilton in 2009. With New Zealand setting a target of 270 runs in a rain-affected 47-over game, India was cruising at 201/0 in 23.3 overs when rain interrupted. Sehwag’s unbeaten 125 runs off 74 balls, including 14 fours and 6 sixes, earned him the Player of the Match as India won by 84 runs via the DLS method.
1. Virat Kohli – 52 Balls vs Australia, Jaipur, 2013
Virat Kohli holds the record for the fastest century by an Indian in ODIs, scoring a blistering 52-ball hundred against Australia in 2013. Chasing a target of 351 runs, Kohli smashed an unbeaten 115 runs off just 66 balls, including 18 fours and a six. India won the match by four wickets, and Kohli was named Player of the Match for his remarkable knock. His speed and precision made this one of the most memorable innings in ODI history.