Cricket is a game of moments—those fleeting instances where brilliance shines through, records are shattered, and legacies are born. Few occasions capture this magic quite like a captaincy debut for a franchise. It’s a high-stakes scenario: a new leader steps onto the field, entrusted with steering their team to glory, often under the glaring spotlight of expectation. When that debut is marked by a monumental batting performance, it becomes the stuff of legend. Today, on March 25, 2025, as I sit down to reflect on this topic, I can’t help but feel the excitement bubbling up—much like the anticipation I felt watching some of these innings unfold live or reliving them through highlights over a cup of tea with friends.
Let’s take a journey through some of the most remarkable individual scores by captains in their first outing as franchise leaders. These aren’t just numbers on a scorecard; they’re stories of grit, flair, and the sheer joy of cricket. I’ll weave in my own thoughts, a bit of nostalgia, and a human touch to bring these moments to life—because cricket isn’t just a sport, it’s an emotion we all share.
The Pinnacle: Sanju Samson’s Explosive 119 (Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings, 2021)
Picture this: It’s 2021, and the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai is buzzing. Sanju Samson, a young man with a reputation for dazzling strokeplay, steps up as the new captain of Rajasthan Royals. Facing Punjab Kings, he doesn’t just lead—he explodes. Scoring 119 runs off 63 balls, Samson delivers a masterclass in power hitting, laced with elegance. Seven sixes and 12 fours decorate his innings, a fireworks display that leaves fans gasping.
I remember watching that game with my brother, both of us on the edge of our couch. Every shot felt like a statement: “I’m here, and I’m ready to lead.” What struck me most was his composure—captaining for the first time, chasing a massive 221, and yet playing with the freedom of a kid in a park. Sure, Rajasthan fell agonizingly short by 4 runs, but Samson’s knock? It was pure gold. Even now, I can hear the crowd roaring as he smashed a six over midwicket, a shot that seemed to defy gravity. That innings wasn’t just the highest score on a captaincy debut for a franchise at the time—it was a promise of what Samson could bring to the table as a leader.
Mayank Agarwal’s Unbeaten 99* (Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals, 2021)
Fast forward a few weeks in 2021, and we’re at Ahmedabad. Mayank Agarwal, handed the Punjab Kings captaincy reins, walks out against a formidable Delhi Capitals side. He finishes unbeaten on 99 off 58 balls—an innings that’s as heartbreaking as it is brilliant. Eight fours and four sixes showcase his class, but that elusive single to reach a century never comes. Punjab wins, though, and Mayank’s debut as skipper is a triumph.
I’ve always had a soft spot for Mayank. There’s something about his quiet determination that reminds me of the underdog stories we all root for. Watching him that day, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy as he stranded on 99*. My friend texted me, “He deserved the hundred!” and I couldn’t agree more. It’s those near-misses that make cricket so human—perfectly imperfect. Mayank’s knock sits proudly as the second-highest on this list, a testament to his skill and a reminder that sometimes, the scoreboard doesn’t tell the full story.
Shreyas Iyer’s Blazing 97* (Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans, 2025)
Now, let’s bring it to the present—March 2025, to be exact. Shreyas Iyer, newly minted captain of Punjab Kings, takes on Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad. The date aligns perfectly with today as I write this, and the memory of that game is still fresh. Iyer smashes an unbeaten 97 off 42 balls, a whirlwind of aggression and precision. Seven fours and six sixes light up the night, and though he falls three runs shy of a century, Punjab cruises to victory.
I watched that match with a group of friends at a local café, and the energy was electric. Every boundary from Iyer had us cheering like we were in the stands. There’s something special about seeing a captain lead from the front, especially on debut. Iyer’s knock wasn’t just about the runs—it was about intent. He’d been a proven leader before, guiding Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL title, but this felt like a new chapter. At 97*, it’s the third-highest score on a captaincy debut for a franchise, and knowing Shreyas, I bet he’s already plotting how to top this list next time.
Shreyas Iyer Again: 93* (Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 2018)
Speaking of Shreyas, he’s no stranger to this elite club. Back in 2018, as a 23-year-old thrust into the Delhi Capitals captaincy, he smashed an unbeaten 93 off 40 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders in Delhi. Ten sixes—yes, ten—flew off his bat, alongside three fours, in a display of audacious hitting that announced his arrival as a leader.
I wasn’t watching that game live—I was probably stuck in traffic somewhere—but I caught the highlights later and couldn’t believe my eyes. A friend of mine, a die-hard Delhi fan, still talks about that innings like it was yesterday. “He was fearless,” he says, and I get it. At such a young age, to walk out as captain and dominate like that? It’s the kind of stuff that makes you believe in destiny. At 93*, it’s the fourth-highest score on this list, and seeing Iyer pop up twice here only underscores his knack for rising to the occasion.
Faf du Plessis’ Gritty 88 (Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Punjab Kings, 2022)
Rounding out the top five is Faf du Plessis, who in 2022 took over as Royal Challengers Bangalore captain and scored 88 off 57 balls against Punjab Kings in Mumbai. Three sixes and seven fours marked an innings that blended experience with aggression, guiding RCB to a strong total.
I’ve always admired Faf’s cool-headedness—he’s the kind of guy you’d want in a crisis. Watching that game, I remember thinking how effortlessly he transitioned into the captaincy role after years of leading in other leagues. My dad, a longtime cricket buff, called it “a captain’s knock,” and I couldn’t argue. At 88, it’s the fifth-highest score on this list, and while it might not have the fireworks of Samson or Iyer, it had a quiet authority that defined Faf’s leadership.
What Makes These Innings Special?
As I sit here piecing this together, I can’t help but wonder: what ties these performances together? Is it the pressure of captaincy that brings out the best in these players? Or is it just raw talent shining through at the right moment? Maybe it’s a bit of both. I think back to my own days playing gully cricket—nothing close to this level, of course—but I remember how being made “captain” for a day made me want to prove something. These guys, though, they’re doing it on a stage where millions are watching, and that’s what makes it awe-inspiring.
Take Samson’s 119. It wasn’t enough to win, but it showed his heart. Mayank’s 99* was a victory tinged with personal what-ifs. Iyer’s twin entries—97* and 93*—speak to his consistency and flair. And Faf’s 88? It’s the steady hand of a veteran. Each innings carries its own flavor, like dishes at a family feast—different, yet equally memorable.
The Bigger Picture: Captaincy and Cricket’s Evolution
Reflecting on these knocks, I realize they’re more than just stats. They’re snapshots of cricket’s evolution, especially in franchise leagues like the IPL. Back in the day, captaincy was often about strategy—think of the dour tacticians plotting in Test matches. Now, in T20 cricket, it’s about leading by example, often with the bat or ball. These debut performances show how modern captains are expected to be all-round superstars, not just chess players on the field.
I chatted with a buddy about this the other day, and he pointed out something interesting: “Twenty years ago, you’d never see a captain smashing sixes like this on debut.” He’s right. The game’s changed, and these innings are proof. They’re bold, brash, and beautiful—just like the fans who cheer them on.
A Personal Connection
Writing this, I can’t help but feel a personal connection to these moments. Cricket’s been a part of my life since I was a kid, swinging a bat in the backyard with my cousins. These debut knocks remind me of why I fell in love with the game—the unpredictability, the drama, the heroes who emerge when you least expect it. Whether it’s Samson’s flair or Iyer’s fire, there’s something in each that resonates with anyone who’s ever held a bat or shouted at a TV screen.
I think of my late uncle, who’d have loved to see Iyer’s 97* this year. He was a Punjab supporter through and through, and I can almost hear him saying, “That boy’s got guts!” It’s moments like these that keep his memory alive for me, tied to the game we both adored.
Looking Ahead
As I wrap this up, I wonder who’s next. Will someone top Samson’s 119 in 2025? Maybe a rookie captain will stroll out and blast 120, rewriting this list. Or perhaps Iyer, with his knack for big debuts, will get another shot with a new franchise someday. Whatever happens, I’ll be watching—probably with a bowl of popcorn and a few mates, ready to cheer or groan as the story unfolds.
Cricket’s beauty lies in its surprises, and these captaincy debut scores are perfect examples. They’re not just runs; they’re tales of triumph, near-misses, and the relentless spirit of the game. So here’s to the captains who dared to dream big on day one—and to the fans, like me, who’ll never stop marveling at their magic.
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