Indian cricketers to play 100 matches in test cricket: Indian legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar is the only cricketer in the world to have played 200 test matches. While every cricketer dreams to represent their national side in test cricket, only talented ones backed with some luck get that golden opportunity and among them, only a few play more than 100 test matches.
There are number of cricketers who went on to represent their country in more than 100 test matches. For India, the list includes a few big names who have played more than 100 test matches. Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar was the first Indian cricketer to play 100 or more matches in test cricket. Since then, 12 more have played 100 or more tests for India. On that note, let’s have a look at the Indian cricketers to have played 100 or more matches in test cricket.
Here are the Indian cricketers to have played 100 or more matches in test cricket:
Sunil Gavaskar:
Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar was the first player to play 100 test matches for India. Sunil Gavaskar began his cricketing career at the age of 22 and went on to represent Indian team for 16 years in test cricket. Sunil Gavaskar also finished his career as the leading run-scorer in test cricket.
Sunil Gavaskar played 125 test matches in his career and scored 10,122 runs at an average of 51.12. He also held the record for most number of centuries in test cricket for a long time. Gavaskar hit 34 test tons in his 16-year-long career. He made his test debut against West Indies in 1971 and played his last test match against arch-rivals Pakistan in Bengaluru in 1987.
Kapil Dev:
The 1983 World Cup winning Indian captain, Kapil Dev was the second player from India to breach the 100 test matches barrier. Kapil Dev had a glorious international career and finished as the then leading wicket-taker in test cricket, overtaking Sir Richard Hadlee. Kapil Dev played 131 test matches for India and picked up 434 wickets.
Kapil Dev scored 5248 runs in the 131 test matches he played for India. He is the only Indian all-rounder with a double of 5000 Runs and 400 test wickets. He made his test debut against Pakistan in 1978 and played his final test match against New Zealand in 1994.
Dilip Vengsarkar:
Fondly known as ‘Colonel,’ Dilip Vengsarkar is also among Indian players who have played more than 100 test matches in their career. Dilip Vengsarkar is widely credited for his brilliant batting performances in test cricket.
Dilip Vengsarkar played 116 test matches for team India and scored 6868 runs in 185 innings. His career batting average was 42.13 with 17 test centuries. Dilip Vengsarkar made his test debut for India against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland during India’s tour of NZ in 1976. His final test match for India came in 1992 against Australia at WACA Stadium in Perth.
Sachin Tendulkar:
Matching his longevity in test cricket will be an unachievable task for any player in the current era. Sachin Tendulkar made his debut at the age of 16, but retired after inspiring two different generations of cricketers. In his 24-year long cricketing career, Sachin Tendulkar played 200 test matches and scored 15921 test runs. He is still the leading run-scorer in test cricket.
He also holds the record for most centuries in test cricket. He scored 51 test hundreds in his career. Sachin Tendulkar made his debut against Pakistan in 1989 and played his last test match against West Indies in 2013.
Anil Kumble:
Indian cricket’s ‘Jumbo,’ made his entry during India’s tour of England in 1990. The tall Indian leg-spinner went on to pick 619 test wickets with just marginal turn in his leg-break bowling. Anil Kumble played 132 test matches and ended his career as the leading wicket-taker for India with 619 wickets.
Kumble made his test debut against England at Old Trafford in 1990 and played his last test match against Australia in 2008. He also led Indian cricket team in test cricket. He captained India in 14 test matches and India won three games under his leadership, including the iconic Perth test win against Australia in 2008.