Meet the only Indian cricketer to score a century on Republic Day; it's not Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni or Sachin Tendulkar

The 2025 Republic Day marks the 76th celebration in history, a day that holds special significance for India as the country commemorates the adoption of its constitution in 1950. One of the biggest sources of pride for the country has grown over the years: the Indian cricket team. India, which produces some of the best cricket players in the world, has won two Cricket World Cups and two T20 World Cups, making it one of the most successful Test teams. The Men in Blue also clinched the Champions Trophy in 2013, sharing the honor in 2012.

January 26th is an important day for India, as it marks the celebration of Republic Day. This day honors the adoption of the Indian constitution in 1950. The main festivities occur at Kartava Park in New Delhi, where a spectacular parade is held, allowing each state to display its significant accomplishments.

Virat Kohli stands alone as the only cricketer to score a century on Republic Day.

Only one Indian cricket player has scored a century on Republic Day, one of the day's noteworthy accomplishments. This exceptional honor is held by Virat Kohli, who accomplished the feat in a Test match against Australia at the Adelaide Oval in 2012, his first Test century in his storied career. Sachin Tendulkar and Navjot Singh Sidhu, both of whom scored more than 90 runs on the occasion, are other Indian players who have come close.

Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli stand out as the players with the most centuries in international cricket history, with Sachin holding the record for Test cricket and Kohli for ODIs. They are the only players to have scored 50 centuries in a single format. 

Notably, no Indian cricketer has managed to score a century on Independence Day (15th August), with Virat Kohli coming close in 2019 against West Indies, albeit on 14th August local time. MS Dhoni remains the only Indian player with a score of 50 or more on both Independence and Republic Day.

In a nod to the modern era of Indian cricket, stars Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya made their T20I debut for the country on 26th January 2016, adding to the rich history of achievements on this significant day.

This year, India will not be playing any matches on Republic Day. However, they will be facing off against England in the 3rd T20I on Tuesday, January 28th.

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