Top 5 highest scores by Indian wicket-keeper batters in test cricket

Among Indian wicket-keeper batters, Rishabh Pant and MS Dhoni have hit the joint-most test centuries.

Indian cricket has seen a few talented and skilled wicket-keeper batters in test cricket. Only 11 of them managed to register a three-figure score in the longest format.

From Farokh Engineer to MS Dhoni to Rishabh Pant, these cricketers showcased their skills both in front and behind the stumps.

Apart from their wicket-keeping skills, these cricketers also helped the side with the bat. On that note, let’s take a look at the top five highest scores by Indian wicket-keeper batters in test cricket.

Top five highest scores by Indian wicket-keeper batters in test cricket:

5. MS Dhoni – 148 vs Pakistan, 2006

In Faisalabad in 2006, MS Dhoni, then with his long hair, hit one of his famous test centuries against their arch-rivals Pakistan.

Batting first, Pakistan scored 588 runs after Shahid Afridi made 156 off 128 balls. In reply, India declared at 490/8 with MS Dhoni playing an outstanding knock of 148 off 153 balls, with 19 fours and four sixes.

The match ended in a dull draw.

4. Nayan Mongia – 152 vs Australia, 1996

Former Indian stumper Nayan Mongia notched up only one century in his test career. When Australia toured India for a one-off test match in Delhi in 1996, Mongia achieved this feat.

Australia were bundled out for just 182 in the first innings. In reply, India scored 361 runs after Nayan Mongia smashed 152 off 366 deliveries, with help of 18 fours and one maximum.

The visitors were all out for 234 in their second innings. While chasing 56 runs, India won the match with seven wickets in hand. Nayan Mongia was named Player of the Match for his impressive century.

3. Rishabh Pant – 159* vs Australia, 2019

Rishabh Pant is the only Asian wicket-keeper batsman to register a century in Australia, England and South Africa. His ton in Australia on the 2018/19 tour was crucial in India securing a series win.

During the Sydney test, Pant played a stunning knock of 159 runs off 189 balls in the first innings, which guided India to 622/7d.

Australia were all out for 300 in the first innings, but because of rain on the last day of the match, the test ended in a draw.

2. Budhi Kunderan – 192 vs England, 1964

Karnataka’s Budhi Kunderan recorded two test centuries as India’s wicket-keeper. One of which was a score of 192 against England in Chennai in 1964.

Batting first, Kunderan played a memorable knock of 192, which included 31 fours, and guided the hosts to 457/7d.

In reply, England made 317 runs after their opener Brian Bolus played a gritty knock of 88 runs. India declared at 152/9 in their second innings and set a target of 293 for England.

The match was drawn as England had five more wickets in hand when play ended.

1. MS Dhoni – 224 runs vs Australia, 2013

Former captain MS Dhoni holds the record for the highest test score by an Indian wicket-keeper batsman. He is also the only Indian wicket-keeper to smash a double century in test cricket.

Dhoni achieved this historic feat during the Chennai test against Australia in 2013. Michael Clarke’s 130-run knock guided Australia to a competitive total of 380 in the first innings.

In reply, the hosts made 572 as skipper MS Dhoni whacked 224 runs off 265 balls, with help of 24 fours and six maximums.

Australia were then bowled out for 241 in their second innings and managed to set a target of only 50 for the hosts. India won the match by eight wickets. Dhoni was awarded Player of the Match for his match-winning double-century.

(All stats updated till 17th October 2024.)

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