Top 5 non-retired Indian batsmen with most runs in test cricket

Sachin Tendulkar leads the chart of most runs by Indian batsmen in the longest format of the game.

Cricket’s red-ball format is known as the pinnacle of the game with tests of everyone’s skillset. Probably this was the sole reason why cricket’s five-day format is called ‘Test cricket’. A brilliant battle with bat and ball has produced several big names and talented players who have gone on to become greats passing every ‘test’ they had during their career. Similarly, scoring runs in this format is also a task and needs some serious grit and determination. 

When it comes to the chart of leading run-scorers in test cricket, Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar is at the top of the list, not only for India, but also among all countries as well. The Indian legend scored 15921 runs in 200 matches he played for the country. But he retired from the game 10 years back. A total of three Indian batsmen have scored over 10,000 runs in the format, while no active cricketer is in that elusive top three. Have you wondered who are the highest run-scorers for India amongst the players who have not retired yet?

Let’s take a look at top five non-retired Indian batsmen with most runs in test cricket:

5. Ravi Ashwin – 3185 runs:

India’s ace off-spinner has played the role of an all-rounder for the team on several occasions. Ashwin’s five test centuries are testimony to his great temperament with the bat in hand. Ashwin is currently India’s leading wicket-taker amongst the non-retired players and he is also among the current top five leading run-scorers for India in test cricket. Ravichandran Ashwin has scored 3185 runs in 132 test innings. Ashwin has scored 5 test centuries and 14 half-centuries. 

4. Rohit Sharma – 3677 runs:

Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s test cricket career has been on a roller-coaster ride since he made his debut in 2013 against West Indies. Rohit got constant opportunities in this format only after being promoted as opener in 2019. India skipper has played 52 test matches so far in his career and scored 3677 runs at an average of 46.54 with 10 centuries and 16 half-centuries. Rohit’s best score is 188 in this format. 

3. Ajinkya Rahane – 5077 runs:

India’s middle order batter Ajinkya Rahane has also been a regular for the Indian red-ball playing XI along with Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli. Rahane in his 85 test matches, has gone past the 5000-run mark and has scored 5077 runs at an average of 38.46 with 12 centuries in 144 innings. Currently, Rahane is out of the Indian test setup, but the veteran is yet to retire from the game. Rahane’s contribution to India’s iconic Lord’s win in 2014 and MCG win in 2021 is always remembered.

2. Cheteshwar Pujara – 7195 runs:

Discarded Indian top-order batter Cheteshwar Pujara is among the leading run-scorers for India in red-ball format. Pujara has been a prolific run-scorer for the team in test cricket and has played several big knocks helping his team win crucial series. His contributions in the Australia tour remains significant for Indian cricket. Pujara has scored 7195 runs in 176 innings and smashed 19 hundreds in his career. Pujara is currently out of the Indian squad, but yet to retire from the game.

1. Virat Kohli – 8676 runs:

Virat Kohli is one of the superstars of Indian cricket and with his sheer consistency, he has earned the tag of G.O.A.T. in international cricket. Kohli’s wonderful performances has led him to number one among the current test players in terms of scoring runs in the format. Virat Kohli has so far scored 8676 runs in 187 innings with 29 test centuries and 29 half-centuries. Virat’s highest score in tests is unbeaten 254 runs. 

(All stats updated till 22nd December, 2023)

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