15 Players with Most Test Runs for India

June 14, 2024

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India, a powerhouse of cricket, has consistently produced legendary cricketers whose exploits on the field have captivated fans worldwide.

Among these luminaries, Sachin Tendulkar stands tall as the highest run-scorer in Test cricket for India, amassing an extraordinary 15,921 runs across 200 matches.

The likes of Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and Virat Kohli are also a part of this esteemed list.

List of Top 15 Players with Most Runs in Test for India

Player	Span	Mat	Inns	NO	Runs	HS	Avg	100	50
SR Tendulkar	1989-2013	200	329	33	15921	248*	53.78	51	68
R Dravid	1996-2012	163	284	32	13265	270	52.63	36	63
SM Gavaskar	1971-1987	125	214	16	10122	236*	51.12	34	45
V Kohli	2011-2024	113	191	11	8848	254*	49.15	29	30
VVS Laxman	1996-2012	134	225	34	8781	281	45.97	17	56
V Sehwag	2001-2013	103	178	6	8503	319	49.43	23	31
SC Ganguly	1996-2008	113	188	17	7212	239	42.17	16	35
CA Pujara	2010-2023	103	176	11	7195	206*	43.60	19	35
DB Vengsarkar	1976-1992	116	185	22	6868	166	42.13	17	35
M Azharuddin	1984-2000	99	147	9	6215	199	45.03	22	21
Gundappa Viswanath	1969-1983	91	155	15	6080	222	41.93	14	35
Kapil Dev	1978-1994	131	184	15	5248	163	31.05	8	27
Ajinkya Rahane	2013-2023	85	144	12	5077	188	38.46	12	26
MS Dhoni	2005-2014	90	144	16	4876	224	38.09	6	33
Mohinder Amarnath	1969-1988	69	113	10	4378	138	42.50	11	24

1. Sachin Tendulkar – 15,921 Runs

Sachin Tendulkar not only scored the most runs for India in Test cricket but is also the highest run-scorer in the history of the format. His illustrious career spanned from 1989 to 2013, during which he played 200 Test matches and scored 15,921 runs at an average of 53.78.

Tendulkar’s highest score of 248* came against Bangladesh in 2004. With 51 centuries and 68 half-centuries, Tendulkar’s consistency and longevity are unmatched. Tendulkar’s influence on Indian cricket is profound, inspiring generations of cricketers and fans alike.

2. Rahul Dravid – 13,265 Runs

Rahul Dravid, the current head coach of the Indian Cricket Team, was the backbone of India’s batting lineup from 1996 to 2012. Accumulating 13,265 runs in 163 Test matches, Dravid’s average of 52.63 reflects his reliability and technical proficiency.

His highest score of 270 came against Pakistan in 2004, in a marathon innings that exemplified why he was nicknamed The Wall. Dravid scored 36 centuries and 63 half-centuries in his Test career. His contributions as a batsman and a slip fielder have been invaluable to Indian cricket.

3. Sunil Gavaskar – 10,122 Runs

Sunil Gavaskar, the original “Little Master,” set new standards for opening batsmen in Test cricket. Playing from 1971 to 1987, Gavaskar amassed 10,122 runs in 125 matches at an average of 51.12.

His highest score of 236* against the West Indies in 1983 is one of his many legendary innings. Gavaskar was the first player to reach 10,000 Test runs, and his 34 centuries and 45 half-centuries underscore his dominance in an era of fierce fast bowling.

4. Virat Kohli – 8,848 Runs

Virat Kohli has been a cornerstone of India’s Test team since his debut in 2011. He has scored 8,848 runs in 113 matches at an average of 49.15, including the highest score of 254* against South Africa in 2019.

He has 29 centuries and 30 half-centuries to his name. Kohli’s fitness and intensity on the field have set new benchmarks for Indian cricketers.

5. VVS Laxman – 8,781 Runs

VVS Laxman scored 8,781 runs in 134 Test matches from 1996 to 2012. Averaging 45.97, Laxman’s highest score of 281 against Australia in 2001 is considered one of the greatest Test innings of all time.

He notched up 17 centuries and 56 half-centuries, facing 17,785 deliveries with a strike rate of 49.37. Laxman’s ability to perform under pressure, especially against top-quality opposition, earned him the nickname “Very Very Special.”

6. Virender Sehwag – 8,503 Runs

Virender Sehwag redefined opening in Test cricket with his aggressive approach. Playing from 2001 to 2013, Sehwag scored 8,503 runs in 103 matches at an average of 49.43 and a strike rate of 82.18.

His highest score of 319 against South Africa in 2008 remains one of the fastest triple centuries in Test cricket. Sehwag’s 23 centuries and 31 half-centuries, combined with his 1,219 fours and 90 sixes, illustrate his explosive style.

Suggested Read: Explained: How Many Overs in Test Match

7. Sourav Ganguly – 7,212 Runs

Sourav Ganguly finds himself on the seventh spot on the list of most Test runs for India. Scoring 7,212 runs in 113 Test matches between 1996 and 2008, Ganguly averaged 42.17 with a highest score of 239 against Pakistan in 2007.

He scored 16 centuries and 35 half-centuries in his illustrious career. Ganguly’s aggressive batting, especially on the off-side, and his leadership transformed the Indian team into a formidable force.

8. Cheteshwar Pujara – 7,195 Runs

Cheteshwar Pujara has been a mainstay of India’s Test batting lineup since his debut in 2010. Accumulating 7,195 runs in 103 matches at an average of 43.60, Pujara’s highest score of 206* came against England in 2012. With 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries, Pujara’s ability to play long innings and anchor the batting order has been crucial.

9. Dilip Vengsarkar – 6,868 Runs

Dilip Vengsarkar, a technically sound batsman, scored 6,868 runs in 116 Test matches from 1976 to 1992. Averaging 42.13, his highest score of 166 came against Sri Lanka in 1985. Vengsarkar’s 17 centuries and 35 half-centuries, along with his ability to play fast bowling and spin with equal ease, made him a vital part of the Indian middle order.

Vengsarkar’s elegant stroke play and consistency earned him the title of “Colonel,” and his performances, particularly at Lord’s, where he scored three centuries, are still celebrated.

Further Read: Highest Wicket Takers in All Formats of Cricket

10. Mohammad Azharuddin – 6,215 Runs

Mohammad Azharuddin, known for his wristy and graceful batting, scored 6,215 runs in 99 Test matches between 1984 and 2000. Averaging 45.03, Azharuddin’s highest score of 199 came against Sri Lanka in 1986.

He notched up 22 centuries and 21 half-centuries. Despite the controversies that marred the end of his career, his contributions to Indian cricket, including leading the team to numerous victories as captain, remain significant.

11. Gundappa Viswanath – 6,080 runs

Gundappa Viswanath, a stalwart of Indian cricket from 1969 to 1983, played a pivotal role in shaping the team’s batting lineup during his tenure.

With 91 Test matches to his name, he amassed a total of 6,080 runs at an impressive average of 41.93, including 10 centuries and 35 half-centuries – he is in this list of batters ti have scored the highest Test runs for India.

His highest score in Test cricket is 222 and that innings showed his dexterity with all his wrist work and is often called the most aesthetically pleasing batter to watch.

12. Kapil Dev – 5,248 runs

Kapil Dev, one of India’s most celebrated all-rounders, had a distinguished career from 1978 to 1994. In 131 Test matches, he scored 5,248 runs at an average of 31.05, alongside his remarkable bowling record of 434 wickets.

Kapil’s highest score of 163 showed his ability to play the decisive innings when needed. His leadership and all-around capabilities have left a lasting impact on Indian cricket, inspiring countless players in the years to come.

13. Ajinkya Rahane – 5,077 runs

Ajinkya Rahane, who made his debut for India in 2013, established himself as a reliable middle-order batsman with an impressive track record. Over 85 Test matches, he scored 5,077 runs at an average of 38.46, with a highest score of 188 and 12 centuries to his name.

He made quite a name for himself in overseas conditions and this made him one of the most valuable assets in the Indian team and does find a mention in this list for batters with most runs for India in Test.

14. MS Dhoni – 4,876 runs

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, one of the most iconic figures in cricket history and one of India’s best captains played Test cricket from 2005 to 2014. In 90 Test matches, he scored 4,876 runs at an average of 38.09, with a highest score of 224.

Dhoni’s calmness under pressure and tactical acumen have left an indelible mark on the game, establishing him as one of cricket’s all-time greats.

15. Mohinder Amarnath – 4,378 runs

Mohinder Amarnath, a pivotal player for India from 1969 to 1988, made significant contributions as both a batsman and an all-rounder.

In 69 Test matches, he accumulated 4,378 runs at an impressive average of 42.50, with a highest score of 138 and 11 centuries.

His ability to perform under pressure was highlighted during the 1983 Cricket World Cup, where his performances were crucial to India’s success.

Conclusion

From Sachin Tendulkar’s unparalleled run-scoring to Virat Kohli’s modern-day aggression, each of the top 10 batsmen only inspire future generations but also embody the spirit of resilience and excellence that defines Indian cricket.

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Further Read: Who is the Best Cricketer in India?

FAQs about Most Test Runs for India

Q) Who is the highest run-scorer for India in Test cricket?

A) Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for the most runs in Test cricket for India, with a total of 15,921 runs in 200 matches.

Q) Who is the highest run-scorer for India in ODIs?

A) Sachin Tendulkar is also the highest run-scorer for India in ODIs, amassing 18,426 runs in 463 matches.

Q) Which Indian batsman has the highest batting average among the top 10 run-scorers in Test cricket?

A) Virat Kohli has the highest batting average among the top 10 Indian run-scorers in Tests, averaging 49.15 over 113 matches.

Q) How many centuries did Sunil Gavaskar score against the West Indies?

A) Sunil Gavaskar scored a total of 13 centuries against the West Indies, displaying his ability to perform against one of the toughest bowling attacks in the history of Test cricket.