Top 5 batsmen with most centuries against India in test cricket

Only two batsmen have hit 10 centuries against India in test cricket.

India stand as one of the heavyweights in international cricket. Known for their rich cricketing history, the Asian giants have produced some of the greatest spinners in Anil Kumble, Bishan Singh Bedi, Harbhajan Singh, and Ravichandran Ashwin.

India have started to win more in the longest format of the game in the 21st century. Their dominance in test cricket is evident from their back-to-back appearances in the ICC World Test Championship finals in 2021 and 2023 and twin series wins in Australia, which coincided with a 12-year series-winning streak at home.

From an opposition’s perspective, scoring runs against India is a matter of great challenge and satisfaction because India have had strong bowling attacks at all times in the past few decades.

In this article, we will take a look at the top five batsmen who have registered most centuries against India in test cricket.

Top five batsmen with most centuries against India in test cricket:

5. Garry Sobers (WI) – 8 centuries

Hailed by many as the greatest all-rounder of all time, Gary Sobers averaged 83.47 with the bat against India in test cricket. Sobers played 30 innings and scored 1920 runs, consisting of eight centuries against the Asian giants in his 20-year-long career.

Sobers retired in 1974, playing his last game against England at Port of Spain.

4. Sir Vivian Richards (WI) – 8 centuries

Counted among the greatest batsmen to grace the game, Sir Vivian Richards plundered eight test centuries against India in his 17-year-long career.

Richards scored a total of 1,927 runs against India in test cricket at an average of 50.71. His most remarkable knock against the Asian giants came in Delhi, where he scored an unbeaten 192* to secure a memorable victory for the visitors.

3. Ricky Ponting (AUS) – 8 centuries

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting will find his place in Australia’s greatest test XI due to his prolific record in the longest format of the game.

With over 13,378 runs in his test career, Ponting was particularly severe against the Indian bowling lineup. The Australian legend scored eight centuries against India and had an average of over 54 while scoring 2555 runs.

Ponting’s highest individual score against India in test cricket came in 2003 at Melbourne, where he smacked 257 runs in the first innings.

2. Steve Smith (AUS) – 10 centuries

Modern-day great Steve Smith has an extraordinary record against India in test cricket. Starting his career as a leg spinner, Smith transformed himself into a pure batsman and has slammed 10 test centuries against India. Smith boasts an impressive tally of 2,156 test runs against India at an average of 63.41.

Two of his most remarkable knocks against India came in 2017 in Pune, where he scored a sensational century in the second innings on a turning wicket, and a hundred in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23 final in 2023.

1. Joe Root (ENG) – 10 centuries

Regarded as England’s greatest test batsman, Joe Root has hit 10 centuries against India. Making his debut against India in 2012, Root has become an integral part of England’s batting unit, especially on spin-friendly Asian pitches.

Root’s record against India includes 2,846 runs at an average of 58.08. His best score against the Asian giants came in 2021, when he scored a double century (218) in Chennai.

(All stats are updated till 15th December 2024)

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