Scoring a century in the T20 format is a terrific achievement. It does not happen regularly, especially in a tournament like the IPL, where the bowling attacks are usually high quality. Hence, if a cricketer makes a century, he is more often than not a talented player and might play for India. However, in a few cases, that has not happened. On that note, here, we take a look at three Indians who hit a century in IPL but never played for India in T20Is.
1) Paul Valthaty – 120(63)*
Team Represented: Punjab Kings || Opposition: Chennai Super Kings || Year: 2011 || Venue: Mohali
Chasing a total of 189 in the 9th match of IPL 2011, Punjab was reliant on the likes of Adam Gilchrist and Shaun Marsh to do the job for them. However, it was a young Indian who took them over the line.
In an unbeaten knock, Valthaty, with the help of 19 boundaries and 2 sixes helped Punjab win the game. While he was decent in that season, within the next few campaigns, the player completely lost his rhythm. He never had a decent run in any other year and was not good domestically, as well. Therefore, he did not get a chance to play for India. Recently, he was seen as a commentator for Sony Sports Network.
2) Wriddhiman Saha – 115(55)*
Team Represented: Punjab Kings || Opposition: Kolkata Knight Riders || Year: 2014 || Venue: Bengaluru
Wriddhiman Saha is one of the Indians who hit a century in the IPL but never played for India in T20Is. It was in the final of IPL 2014 that Saha made this special knock. However, when it came to T20s, Saha never played for India.
The West Bengal-born cricketer played 40 Tests and 9 ODIs for the country. Since he mostly did well in T20s in the top order, India did not have too many vacancies. Hence, they could not offer him a chance.
3) Mayank Agarwal – 106(50)
Team Represented: Punjab Kings || Opposition: Rajasthan Royals || Year: 2020 || Venue: Sharjah
Mayank Agarwal‘s knock could have ended on the winning side if not for the famous innings by Rahul Tewatia in this fixture. Although he has come close to the three-figure mark, Mayank did not make another hundred in IPL.
The opener has been selected for the Indian T20 Team but did not make his debut. He has played 21 Tests and 5 ODIs, though. Considering his current form, it would be hard for Mayank to play in T20Is, especially with the amount of competition involved.
