Test cricket is known for its demand for patience, yet there have been instances when Indian batters have taken an aggressive approach to the game. These bold performances have left a lasting mark in the record books. This blog highlights the fastest fifties scored by Indian batters in Test cricket.
5. Shardul Thakur – 31 balls vs England, 2021
Shardul Thakur delivered a remarkable all-round performance against England at The Oval in 2021. In the first innings, he scored a quick 57 off just 36 balls, including a rapid 31-ball fifty, which helped India post 191. He followed it up with a solid 60 off 72 balls in the second innings. His quick-fire batting contributed significantly to India’s 157-run victory in the match.
4. Yashasvi Jaiswal – 31 balls vs Bangladesh, 2024
Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal showcased his aggressive batting skills against Bangladesh in Kanpur in September 2024. With a rain-affected match, India needed rapid runs, and Jaiswal delivered. He smashed 72 off 51 balls, including 12 fours and 2 sixes. His innings helped India set records for the quickest team 50, 100, and 200 runs.
3. Kapil Dev – 30 balls vs Pakistan, 1982
Kapil Dev, India’s legendary all-rounder, played a vital role against Pakistan in Karachi in December 1982. In a struggling situation, Kapil scored a blistering 73 off 53 balls, including a 30-ball fifty. His knock helped India reach 163 in the first innings, along with his bowling figures of 5/102. However, India lost the match by an innings and 86 runs.
2. Rishabh Pant – 29 balls vs Australia, 2025
Rishabh Pant stunned Australia in the 2025 New Year’s Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Coming in at 59/3 in the second innings, Pant immediately launched into attack mode, hitting a six off his first ball. He raced to 61 off 32 balls, with six fours and four sixes, including a 29-ball fifty, the second-fastest by an Indian batter in Test cricket.
1. Rishabh Pant – 28 balls vs Sri Lanka, 2022
Rishabh Pant holds the record for the fastest fifty by an Indian batter in Test cricket, smashing a 28-ball fifty against Sri Lanka in March 2022 in Bengaluru. In the second innings, Pant scored 50 off just 31 balls, helping India reach 303/9 declared in 68.5 overs. India won the match by 238 runs, with Pant’s quick-fire batting playing a key role.