Top 5 Indian batsmen with most runs in test cricket

Only three Indian batsmen have scored over 10,000 runs in test cricket.

Despite T20 cricket being the popular sport among the masses, test cricket continues to remain the ultimate format, as said by many multi-format players. In test cricket, a batter needs to have exceptional skills, temperament and endurance to play long innings.

While the riches of T20 cricket are lucrative, especially in India with the Indian Premier League (IPL) being the biggest T20 league in the world, several Indian cricketers aim to have rich legacies in test cricket, as their predecessors had. India has produced some of the greatest test batters of all time.

On that note, let’s take a look at five Indian batters with the most runs in tests.

Indian batters with the most runs in test cricket:

5. VVS Laxman – 8781 runs

Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman made his test debut against South Africa in Ahmedabad in November 1996 and played until 2012. Throughout his 16-year career, Laxman remained a vital cog in the Indian team in the longest format.

The right-handed batter amassed 8781 runs in 134 tests, notching up 17 centuries and 56 half-centuries. He had a healthy average of 45.97.

Laxman is the fifth-highest run-getter for India in test cricket. He played his last test against Australia in Adelaide in January 2012.

4. Virat Kohli – 9000 runs

Virat Kohli is the only active Indian cricketer who features on this list. Kohli made his test debut against the West Indies in Kingston in June 2011. Since then, Kohli has cemented his place as one of the greatest test batters the country has produced.

Kohli has scored 9000 runs in 116* matches till now. The former Indian skipper has a terrific average of 49.15. The 35-year-old has raised 29 tons and 31 half-centuries till now in the longest format.

3. Sunil Gavaskar – 10122 runs

Legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar was one of the greatest opening batters of all time. Gavaskar made his test debut against the West Indies at Port of Spain in March 1971 and played his last match against arch-rivals Pakistan in March 1987.

The Mumbai-born cricketer was the first player in the history of test cricket to breach the 10,000 runs landmark.

During his legendary test career, Gavaskar scored 10,122 runs in 125 matches and 214 innings. The right-handed batter had a superb average of 51.12 and he notched up 34 hundreds and 45 half-centuries.

2. Rahul Dravid – 13265 runs

Legendary Indian cricketer Rahul Dravid was one of the greatest batters to play the sport. Known as ‘The Wall,‘ Dravid had a water-tight technique and was unbreachable at times.

Dravid made his test debut against England at Lord’s in 1996 and played his last test against Australia in Adelaide in January 2012.

He amassed 13288 runs in 164 tests at an average of 52.31, with 36 centuries and 63 half-centuries.

1. Sachin Tendulkar – 15921 runs

Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar achieved innumerable milestones during his illustrious career. The Master Blaster holds the record for most runs in both ODIs and tests.

The legendary cricketer made his test debut against arch-rivals Pakistan in Karachi in November 1989 and played his last test against the West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium in November 2013.

Tendulkar played 200 matches and batted in 329 innings where he scored 15921 runs at an admirable average of 53.78. The right-hander recorded 51 centuries and 68 half-centuries in test cricket.

(All stats updated till 18th October, 2024)

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