Indian cricket has a rich history of producing exceptional batsmen who have left an indelible mark on the game. While the list of great Indian batsmen is long, some innings stand out for their sheer scale, dominance and impact on a match.
In the second test match of India-England 5-match test series, Shubman Gill played one such innings as he hammered 269 runs and got listed himself in the top ten Indian batters with highest scores in test matches.
This article chronicles ten of the highest individual scores by Indian batters in Test cricket, with a special focus on the remarkable tales behind each innings.
1. Virender Sehwag (319 runs vs South Africa, Chennai, 2008)
Virender Sehwag’s highest Test score is a proof of his explosive and fearless approach to batting. Facing a formidable South African attack featuring Dale Steyn, Makhaya Ntini and Morne Morkel on a flat Chennai pitch, Sehwag shattered records with his 319-run knock. He reached his triple century in just 278 balls, the fastest in the Test history, and scored at a blistering strike rate of 104.93. The innings was a whirlwind of boundaries, including 42 fours and 5 sixes, and completely took the game away from the visitors, setting the stage for a high-scoring draw.
2. Virender Sehwag (309 runs vs Pakistan, Multan, 2004)
Dubbed as the “Sultan of Multan”, this innings was a historic moment for Indian cricket as Sehwag became the first Indian to score a triple century in Test matches. Opening the innings in a high-stakes series in Pakistan, Sehwag took on the likes of Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Sami with his trademark aggression. He reached his 300 with a stunning six off Saqlain Mushtaq, a fearless stroke that perfectly encapsulated his batting philosophy. His 309-run innings, which came off just 375 balls, set up a comfortable innings victory for India.
3. Karun Nair (303 runs vs England, Chennai, 2016)*
Karun Nair’s maiden Test century was one for the record books. In a high-scoring encounter against England, Karun Nair, batting at number five, became only the second Indian to register a triple hundred. His unbeaten 303 was an innings of immense composure and focus as he capitalized on a docile Chennai pitch and a tiring England attack. The knock, which included 32 fours and 4 sixes, helped India post their highest ever Test total of 759/7 declared, leading to a massive innings victory.
4. Virender Sehwag (293 runs vs Sri Lanka, Mumbai, 2009)
Sehwag features on this list once again, this time with a 293-run assault on the Sri Lankan bowlers. After Sri Lanka put up a solid first-innings total, Sehwag’s blitzkrieg at the top of the order single-handedly turned the match in India’s favor. He was particularly severe on Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis, scoring at an incredible strike rate of over 100. His innings, which included 40 fours and 7 sixes, allowed India to declare at 726/9 and go on to win the match by an innings and 24 runs, securing the No. 1 Test ranking.
5. VVS Laxman (281 runs vs Australia, Kolkata, 2001)
This is arguably the most legendary and impactful innings in the history of Indian Test cricket. Coming to the crease with India following on, Laxman’s 281, along with Rahul Dravid’s 180, led a remarkable fightback against an Australian side that had won 16 consecutive Tests. His sublime strokeplay and wristy elegance defied the Australian bowlers, including Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath, as he rescued India from the brink of defeat. The record-breaking 376-run partnership with Dravid changed the course of the match, leading to a historic 171-run victory for India, only the third team in the Test history to win after following on.
6. Rahul Dravid (270 runs vs Pakistan, Rawalpindi, 2004)
Known as “The Wall” for his rock-solid defense and unwavering concentration, Rahul Dravid played a marathon innings of 270 to secure a famous series victory for India in Pakistan. Batting for over 12 hours, Dravid’s knock was an exhibition of sheer patience and technical prowess. While not as aggressive as some other innings on this list, his ability to grind down the opposition and build a massive score was a masterclass in Test batting. The innings cemented his reputation as one of the game’s most resilient and reliable batsmen.
7. Shubman Gill (269 runs vs England, Edgbaston, 2025)
In a recent Test against England, Shubman Gill showcased his immense talent with a brilliant 269. The innings, played with both elegance and aggression, came at a crucial time for India that was looking to bounce back in the series. Gill who was also captaining the side dominated the English bowlers and put India in a commanding position. His knock, a mix of classical drives and powerful shots, demonstrated his growing maturity and authority at the highest level of the game.
8. Virat Kohli (254 runs vs South Africa, Pune, 2019)*
Leading from the front as captain, Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 254 was a dominant display of his class and batting supremacy. He punished a relatively toothless South African attack, scoring at a brisk pace and leaving no doubt about his command of the situation. The innings, which included 33 fours and 2 sixes, was characterized by his flawless technique and insatiable hunger for runs. At that time it was the highest score by an Indian captain in Test cricket and helped India to a commanding victory.
9. Virender Sehwag (254 runs vs Pakistan, Lahore, 2006)
In another high-scoring Test on a placid track, Sehwag once again stamped his authority with a magnificent 254. He was involved in a record-breaking 410-run opening partnership with Rahul Dravid, which at the time was the highest ever opening stand in the Test history. Sehwag’s innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression as he put the Pakistani bowlers to the sword and ensured India’s dominance in the match. The match eventually ended in a draw but Sehwag’s knock was the highlight.
10. Sachin Tendulkar (248 runs vs Bangladesh, Dhaka, 2004)*
The Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar also features on this elite list with a commanding unbeaten 248 against Bangladesh. Batting with great discipline and concentration, Sachin Tendulkar built his innings brick by brick, punishing loose deliveries and rotating the strike with ease. The innings, which was his highest Test score at the time, was a testament to his supreme skill and ability to dominate bowling attacks. He guided India to a strong total, setting the stage for an innings victory.
Which innings is your most favourite?
