Indian cricket has seen several young prodigies rise to fame at an early age. From Sachin Tendulkar’s historic debut at 16 to the recent rise of Shubman Gill, the country’s cricketing future has often rested on young shoulders. One key benchmark to assess their impact early on is the number of international centuries scored before turning 25. Shubman Gill, one of the brightest stars of the current generation, recently achieved a significant milestone by scoring his 15th international century. Here’s a closer look at Gill’s achievement and the elite company he now shares.
Shubman Gill Hits 15th International Century in Leeds
Shubman Gill reached the 15-century milestone during the first Test match against England at Headingley, Leeds. This was a significant moment in his career, not only for the century but also because it marked his debut as India’s Test captain. Gill replaced Rohit Sharma as skipper for the series opener, becoming one of the youngest Indians to lead the national side in the longest format of the game.
Batting with composure and class, Gill’s innings demonstrated why he is touted as the future of Indian cricket. His elegant drives, solid defense, and quick footwork stood out on a testing English pitch. The century marked his continued growth across all formats and solidified his place among India’s top batters under the age of 25.
1. Sachin Tendulkar – 40 Centuries Before 25
Topping the list is none other than the Master Blaster, Sachin Tendulkar. He made his international debut in 1989 at the age of just 16, and by the time he turned 25, he had already amassed 40 international centuries — a truly staggering achievement.
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Format Breakdown: 22 in ODIs, 18 in Tests
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Total Matches: 309 innings
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Debut Year: 1989
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Notable Feat: Youngest Indian to debut in international cricket
Tendulkar’s early years were defined by his consistency, temperament, and ability to perform under pressure. From his maiden Test hundred at Old Trafford to dominating world-class attacks in Sharjah, Tendulkar set a high benchmark for all young cricketers.
2. Virat Kohli – 25 Centuries Before 25
Before becoming the modern-day run machine, Virat Kohli made waves as a youngster with a flair for chasing big targets. By the age of 25, Kohli had registered 25 international centuries, making him one of India’s most promising batters.
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Format Breakdown: 17 in ODIs, 8 in Tests
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Debut Year: 2008
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Milestone Year: 2013
Known for his aggressive intent, unmatched fitness, and hunger for runs, Kohli’s rise was rapid. His 133* against Sri Lanka in Hobart and his hundreds in the 2012 Australia tour were highlights of his pre-25 exploits.
3. Shubman Gill – 15 Centuries Before 25
Shubman Gill, born in 1999, has become the latest Indian to make headlines with his 15th international century before turning 25. His centuries span all three formats, with a growing reputation for anchoring innings and converting starts into big scores.
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Format Breakdown: 5 in Tests, 7 in ODIs, 3 in T20Is
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Debut Year: 2019
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Leadership Milestone: Test captaincy debut in 2025
Gill’s ability to play across formats with equal ease makes him a key player in India’s future plans. His double century in ODIs and a T20I ton against New Zealand showcased his versatility and class.
4. Virender Sehwag – 13 Centuries Before 25
Known for his fearless batting and explosive stroke play, Virender Sehwag had already made a name for himself before he turned 25. By that age, he had scored 13 international centuries.
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Format Breakdown: 7 in Tests, 6 in ODIs
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Debut Year: 1999
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Milestone Year: 2003
Sehwag’s carefree approach often belied his solid technique. His maiden Test ton in South Africa in 2001 and his brutal ODI hundreds against New Zealand and Sri Lanka remain unforgettable.
5. Rohit Sharma – 12 Centuries Before 25
Current Indian skipper Rohit Sharma had a relatively slower start to his international career but still managed to notch 12 centuries before hitting 25.
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Format Breakdown: Mostly ODIs
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Debut Year: 2007
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Milestone Year: 2012
Though he was in and out of the team during his early years, Rohit’s talent was never in question. His defining moment came later in his career, but his early centuries laid the groundwork for what would become a legendary white-ball career.
A Generation of Talented Batsmen
India’s batting legacy is rich and constantly evolving. The players mentioned above have all carried the expectations of a cricket-obsessed nation from a young age. Shubman Gill’s inclusion in this elite list at such a young age is a testament to his talent, work ethic, and potential.
As Gill continues to develop and lead, Indian fans have every reason to believe that he may even surpass the benchmarks set by the legends before him.