The highest Test run-scorers in Indian Cricket
India first played test match cricket in 1932 and have since played 547 games. They have won 159, lost 168 and drawn 218 tests. India has always been known for producing top-quality batsmen who have the ability to make big scores. But, who has scored the most runs in test matches for India?
10. Cheteshwar Pujara
Cheteshwar Pujara – one of the most durable batsmen features at number 10 on this list. He has the ability to bat for hours and tire out bowlers. This is exactly what he did home and away against Australia in 2017 and 2018/19, to help India win both series.
In 81 test matches, Pujara has scored 6111 runs at a batting average of 47.74. India’s most dependable batsman at number three, who often builds the foundation for a massive innings.
9. Mohammad Azharuddin
One of the best players of spin in India history, Mohammad Azharuddin features at number 9 on our list. He was aggressive against spinners and often used to come down the track to put them off their length and to get to the pitch of the ball.
In 99 test matches for India, Azharuddin scored 6215 runs at a batting average of 45.04.
8. Dilip Vengsarkar
An underrated test match batsman, Dilip Vengsarkar comes in at number 8 on our list. He scored 6 centuries against a fearsome West Indies bowling attack. In 116 test matches, he scored 6868 runs at a batting average of 41.37.
7. Sourav Ganguly
“Dada” features at number 7 on this list. Sourav Ganguly was one of the best captains that India ever had. As a batsman, he was also very solid. In 113 tests, Ganguly scored 7212 runs at a batting average of 42.18.
Ganguly’s favourite country to bat in was England, where he averaged 65 with the bat. In conditions where the ball swung and seamed, he had little trouble in scoring runs. Ganguly’s 131 at Lords on Test match debut was a perfect arrival for him in the format.
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6. Virat Kohli
Coming in at number 6, is India’s finest all-format batsman – Virat Kohli. He has transformed the game in India, with his fitness and diet regime. Kohli is a master batsman in all conditions.
In 87 test matches, Kohli has scored 7318 runs at a batting average of 53.42. His 2018 series in South Africa and England were both amazing, where he led the charts for the most runs.
5. Virender Sehwag
Number 5 on this list is one of the most destructive openers in test history. Virender Sehwag had a strike rate of 82.23 in test match cricket. In 104 test matches, he scored 8586 runs at a batting average of 49.34.
Sehwag would blaze from ball one and treated Test match cricket like it was limited overs cricket. On the subcontinent, he was particularly dangerous because he was an excellent player of spin. Sehwag averaged 54, 92 and 69 with the bat respectively in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. He also averaged nearly 47 with the bat in Australian conditions, a location where some thought that he would struggle with the extra pace and bounce.
4. VVS Laxman
One of the most iconic batsmen in the history of the game, is fourth on our list. VVS Laxman played some of the best innings in test cricket. His 281 at Eden Gardens vs Australia is still rated as the best playing of spin bowling by many.
In 134 tests, he scored 8781 runs at a batting average of 45.97. Laxman didn’t have any preferences in terms of what countries he preferred to bat in because he was a consistent run-scorer all over the world. His batting average of 34 in England is his lowest of any country and his batting average of 52 in India is his highest.
3. Sunil Gavaskar
Third on this list is one of the greatest opening batsmen in the history of the game. Sunil Gavaskar is India’s greatest opener and arguably the greatest in the game. He was technically very correct against both pace and spin.
In 125 tests, he scored 10,122 runs at a batting average of 51.12. He prospered against the West Indies in Test match cricket and even scored runs against an awesome pace attack in the 1980s.
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2. Rahul Dravid
Nicknamed “The Wall,” Rahul Dravid is number two on our list. He holds the record for facing the most deliveries in test history. Dravid’s ability to absorb pressure was second to none.
He scored 13,288 runs at a batting average of 52.31. His two best innings, perhaps, were both played against Australia. The 180 at Eden Gardens in 2001 and the 233 at Adelaide in 2003 both helped India to scintillating victories.
1. Sachin Tendulkar
Number one on the list is the “Master of Cricket” Sachin Tendulkar. Some experts believe that he was the greatest batsman of his generation. Tendulkar’s batting was characterised by his straight drive back past the bowler. That was his signature shot.
In exactly 200 test matches, Tendulkar scored 15,921 runs for India at a batting average of 53.79.
Tendulkar averaged over 40 in every single country that he played in. This means that he was equally effective in all conditions around the world, whether it be swing, seam or spin.
We hope you enjoyed our article on the Top 10 most runs in test matches for India.
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