Winning the Man of the Match award on Test debut is the dream of every individual starting his international career. Test cricket is one of the most challenging formats of the game, and some of the greatest white-ball players of all time have struggled to make a name for themselves in the red-ball arena.
The reason why winning the Man of the Match award on Test debut is tough because the players around the debutant may have a lot of experience. They would have a clear idea of how to perform in five-day games, but here’s a list of eight Indian players who won the award in their first Test itself.
1. Yashasvi Jaiswal won Man of the Match on Test debut
Yashasvi Jaiswal was adjudged the Player of the Match in his first Test match against West Indies. He smashed a magnificent ton, which helped India win by an innings in Dominica.
2. Shreyas Iyer won Man of the Match on Test debut
Shreyas Iyer made his Test debut against New Zealand last year in Kanpur. He smacked a hundred as well. Although the match ended in a draw, Iyer won the Player of the Match.
3. Prithvi Shaw won Man of the Match on Test debut
Prithvi Shaw started his Test career against West Indies in Rajkot in 2018. He smacked a 134-run knock and helped India record an innings win at the SCA Stadium.
4. Rohit Sharma won Man of the Match on Test debut
Rohit Sharma began his Test career against the West Indies as well. The Hitman smacked a 177-run knock to guide India to a win at Eden Gardens, thereby winning Player of the Match.
5. Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan’s best Test knock came on debut against Australia in 2013. He scored 187 runs and guided the Indian cricket team to a six-wicket win at the PCA IS Bindra Stadium.
6. Ravichandran Ashwin
Regarded by many as one of the greatest spinners of all time, Ravichandran Ashwin also won Man of the Match on debut. It came against West Indies in 2011 in Delhi for taking nine wickets.
7. RP Singh
RP Singh made his Test debut against Pakistan at Iqbal Stadium in 2006. The left-arm pacer picked up total five wickets in two innings and won the award in a drawn Test.
8. Pravin Amre
M.O.M Award in Test Debut for IND
— CricBeat (@Cric_beat) July 16, 2023
Pravin Amre (1992)
RP Singh (2006)
Ravi Ashwin (2011)
Shikhar Dhawan (2013)
Rohit Sharma (2013)
Prithvi Shaw (2018)
Shreyas Iyer (2021)
Yashasvi Jaiswal (2023)*#INDvsWI
Former Indian leg-spinner Pravin Amre was the first from the country to accomplish this feat. Amre scored 103 runs on debut at Kingsmead against South Africa in a drawn Test and won the award.
