Top 5 highest partnerships by India in test cricket

Only twice India have registered 400+ runs partnership in test cricket.

Test cricket is regarded as the toughest format of all three formats of the game. This is the only format where a batter’s skillset, mindset, and patience are being tested in order to play long innings in different conditions against great bowling attacks.

In test cricket, a partnership between two batsmen plays a significant role in shaping an outcome of a match for teams. While many partnerships come in match-winning causes, there are some occasions when crucial partnerships have helped teams to save a match as well.

Partnership in test cricket is all about batsmen trusting their partners, having mutual understanding, and having the determination to bat for a long period of time. In the history of test cricket, Indian cricket has seen many legendary batters who have outclassed great bowling attacks across the world in different challenging conditions.

The Indian cricket has also seen memorable partnerships, which tells about the talent the Asian giants have produced in the longest format. On that note, let’s take a look at the top five highest partnerships for India in test cricket.

Top five highest partnerships for India in test cricket:

5. Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane – 365 runs vs New Zealand, 2016

Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane have the fifth-highest partnership by an Indian pair in test cricket to their name. The duo stitched a 365-run partnership for the fourth wicket during the third test match against New Zealand in Indore in October 2016.

Batting first, India declared at 557/5. Virat Kohli played a superb knock of 211 runs, and he was supported by Ajinkya Rahane, who played a fine knock of 188 runs.

New Zealand made 299 runs in the first innings. In the second innings, the hosts made 216/3d and set a target of 475 runs for the visitors.

While chasing, New Zealand were bundled out for just 153 runs after Ravichandran Ashwin picked up seven wickets. India won the match by 321 runs.

4. Cheteshwar Pujara and Murali Vijay – 370 runs vs Australia, 2013

Cheteshwar Puraja and Murali Vijay hold the record for fourth-highest partnership by an Indian pair in test cricket. The duo stitched a mammoth stand of 370 runs for the second wicket against Australia during the second test match in Hyderabad in 2013.

Batting first, Australia declared at 237/9 after Ravindra Jadeja and Bhuvneshwar Kumar bagged three wickets each.

India, in reply, scored 503 runs after opener Murali Vijay (167) and Cheteshwar Pujara (204) played outstanding knocks.

Australia were bundled out for 131 runs in the second innings. India won the one-sided affair by an innings and 135 runs. Pujara was named Player of the Match for his glorious double century.

3. Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman – 376 runs vs Australia, 2001

Legendary cricketers Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman registered one of the historic partnership for their nation in test cricket history against Australia at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata in 2001.

Dravid and Laxman stitched a 376-run partnership for the fifth wicket during the second test match against Australia in 2001 in Kolkata.

Batting first, Australia scored 445 runs after former captain Steve Waugh slammed 110 runs. In reply, India were bundled out for just 171 runs, and Australia enforced a follow-on.

In India’s second innings, VVS Laxman’s stunning 281 and Rahul Dravid’s crucial 180 bailed the hosts out of danger. India declared at 657/7 and set a target of 384 runs for the visitors.

While chasing, Australia were all out for 212 runs and lost the match by 171 runs. Laxman was adjudged Player of the Match for his match-winning double century in the second innings.

2. Rahul Dravid and Virender Sehwag – 410 runs vs Pakistan, 2006

Former cricketers Rahul Dravid and Virender Sehwag registered the second highest partnership by an Indian pair in test cricket. 

The duo stitched an opening stand of 410 during the first test match against arch-rivals Pakistan in Lahore in 2006.

Batting first, Pakistan posted a huge total of 679/7 after Younis Khan (199), Mohammad Yousuf (173), Shahid Afridi (103), and Kamran Akmal (102*) scored respective centuries.

In reply, openers Virender Sehwag (254) and former captain Rahul Dravid (128*) played gritty knocks as India made 410/1 in their first innings. The match was drawn.

1. Vinoo Mankad and Pankaj Roy – 413 runs vs New Zealand, 1956

Vinoo Mankad and Pankaj Roy hold the record for highest partnership by an Indian pair in test cricket. The duo stitched a memorable 413-run partnership for the first wicket against New Zealand during the fifth test match in Chennai in 1956.

Batting first, India declared at 537/3 after their openers Vinoo Mankad and Pankaj Roy played marathon knocks.

Mankad notched up 231 while Roy slammed 173 runs. In reply, New Zealand were bundled out for 209 & 219 in both innings. Hosts India won the one-sided affair by an innings and 109 runs.

(All stats updated till 13th October, 2024)

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