In the annals of Test cricket, the ability to score runs quickly and aggressively has been a highly prized attribute. At the same time, in an innings that is longish, consistency and patience are extremely important virtues, yet few batsmen have been willing to redefine what was seen as possible in Test cricket or to take the game into areas and situations that nobody thought about.The list of the Top 5 Fastest Test Centuries Scored by Indian Batsmen reads like a veritable who's who of the country's cricketing greats. From the explosive strokeplay of Virender Sehwag to the sheer dominance of Kapil Dev, these innings have left an indelible mark on the game and captured the imagination of cricket fans worldwide. Top 5 Fastest Test Centuries Scored by Indian Batsmen Hardik Pandya - 86 balls vs Sri Lanka, Pallekele, 2017 Image Source : ESPN All-rounder Hardik Pandya daubed his mark on the Test scoreboard with a blistering century against Sri Lanka in 2017, as he demolished the attack of Lanka at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on his way to scoring a 86-ball century. Batting at number eight, Pandya's aggressive innings of 108 runs off just 96 balls, which included 8 fours and 7 sixes, played a key role in India's comprehensive 3-0 series win over the hosts. In the process, this inning revealed the all-round talent of Pandya as well as the depth and versatility of the Indian batting lineup. Also Read | Fastest Centuries by Player for India in T20 Internationals Shikhar Dhawan - 85 balls vs Australia, Mohali, 2013 Image Source : BCCI When Shikhar Dhawan made his Test debut against Australia in Mohali back in 2013, it came in something of a flourish when he piled up a century off 85 balls. Dhawan's 187-run knock with 33 fours and 2 sixes remains the fastest Test century scored by a debutant, telling one a great deal of the ability he had to take the game away from the opposition from the very first ball. This innings was a declaration of intent from the left-handed batsman, who would end up being a vital part of the Indian batting lineup for years to come. Virender Sehwag - 78 balls vs West Indies, St Lucia, 2006 Image Source : AFP No list of the quickest Test centuries by Indians is ever complete without the great Virender Sehwag. Sehwag remains the third-quickest Indian to a Test century, as he scored a 78-ball hundred against the West Indies in St. Lucia in 2006. The way Sehwag took control of the opposition bowling and went on to make an impressive 180 off just 190 balls, with 20 boundaries and 2 sixes, was a class performance. Mohammad Azharuddin - 74 balls vs South Africa, Kolkata, 1996 Image Source : AFP Indian former captain Mohammad Azharuddin is the second-fastest century by an Indian batsman in the list of Top 5 Fastest Test Centuries by Indian Batsmen off 74 balls against South Africa in the Eden Gardens, Kolkata, in 1996. His knock of 109 runs off just 77 deliveries with 18 fours and a six was a class display and a piece of elegance. Kapil Dev - 74 balls vs Sri Lanka, Kanpur, 1986 Image Source : Getty Images Kapil Dev is the undisputed king of the Top 5 Fastest Test Centuries by Indian Batsmen. He wrote his name in the record books against Sri Lanka at Kanpur in 1986 with a 74-ball century, which still remains unchallenged to this date.With a score of 163 off 165 balls and including 19 boundaries and just one six, it was sheer power and athleticism on the cricket field. Also read | 3 Indian Cricketers to Replace Rohit Sharma as Test Captain Conclusion Those Indian innings, which have really stamped a Test cricket impression, are first in match scenario to then beyond - all on sport as a game - really stamp their impression. All this is just because these centuries are scored at some mindboggling, tearing pace, leaving the opposite side bewildered and hence, at times, powerless to reply to this carnage. The performances in these innings have also unfolded the individual brilliance of Top 5 Fastest Test Centuries Scored by Indian Batsmen and the depth and diversity of the Indian batting line-up, which has been the hallmark of success in the last few years. However, with the game being gradually developed with increased emphasis placed on white-ball cricket, and the ever-increasing popularity of the T20 format, scoring runs faster and more effectively has always assumed a greater importance. The Indian batsmen, who have etched their names in the record books with their lightning-fast centuries, left an indelible mark on the game and paved the way for generations of cricketers to come and push forward what is possible in Test cricket.