India stands tall as one of the powerhouses in international cricket, boasting a rich legacy and an illustrious history. The Asian giants have produced some of the greatest spinners in the game, including Anil Kumble, Bishan Singh Bedi, Harbhajan Singh, and Ravichandran Ashwin, who have left an indelible mark on the sport.
In the 21st century, India has established its dominance in Test cricket, consistently delivering remarkable performances. Their prowess in the longest format is highlighted by consecutive appearances in the ICC World Test Championship finals in 2021 and 2023, along with historic twin series wins in Australia. At home, they maintained an extraordinary 12-year unbeaten series-winning streak, further cementing their reputation as a formidable force. From an opposition’s perspective, scoring runs against India remains a daunting yet rewarding challenge. India’s strong and well-rounded bowling attacks over the decades have consistently posed a stern test for batters worldwide, making every run scored against them a badge of honor.
Top five batsmen with most centuries against India in test cricket:
5. Garry Sobers (WI) – 8 Centuries
Widely regarded as the greatest all-rounder in cricket history, Garry Sobers averaged a staggering 83.47 with the bat against India in Test cricket. Across 30 innings, Sobers amassed 1,920 runs, including eight centuries, during his illustrious 20-year career.
Sobers retired in 1974, with his final Test appearance coming against England at Port of Spain.
| Player | Matches vs India | Innings | Runs | Centuries | Average | Best Score | Career Span |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garry Sobers (WI) | – | 30 | 1,920 | 8 | 83.47 | – | 20 years |
4. Sir Vivian Richards (WI) – 8 Centuries
One of the most dominant batsmen the game has ever seen, Sir Vivian Richards scored eight Test centuries against India during his 17-year career.
Richards tallied 1,927 runs against India in Tests at an average of 50.71. Among his most memorable innings was a commanding 192* in Delhi, a knock that secured a remarkable victory for the West Indies.
| Batsman | Country | Centuries Against India | Total Runs Against India | Average | Notable Innings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sir Vivian Richards | West Indies | 8 | 1,927 | 50.71 | 192* in Delhi, a match-winning knock |
3. Ricky Ponting (AUS) – 8 Centuries
Against India, Ponting scored eight centuries, racking up 2,555 runs at an average of over 54. His standout performance came in 2003 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where he hammered 257 runs in the first innings.
| Player | Centuries | Total Runs | Average | Best Score | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ricky Ponting (AUS) | 8 | 2,555 | 54+ | 257 runs (Melbourne, 2003) | 2003 |
2. Steve Smith (AUS) – 10 Centuries
Modern-day legend Steve Smith boasts an exceptional record against India in Test cricket. Starting as a leg spinner, Smith transformed into one of the world’s premier batsmen, smashing 10 Test centuries against India.
Smith has scored 2,156 runs at an impressive average of 63.41. Notable performances include a gritty century on a turning pitch in Pune during the 2017 series and another masterful knock in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23 final.
| Player | Number of Centuries | Total Runs | Average | Notable Performances |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steve Smith (AUS) | 10 | 2,156 | 63.41 | Century on turning pitch in Pune (2017), Century in ICC WTC final (2021-23) |
1. Joe Root (ENG) – 10 Centuries
Considered England’s finest Test batsman, Joe Root has hit 10 centuries against India since making his debut against them in 2012. His ability to excel on spin-friendly Asian pitches has been pivotal to England’s success.
Root’s record against India stands at 2,846 runs at an average of 58.08. His career-best against the Asian side came in Chennai in 2021, where he scored a monumental 218 runs in a single innings.
Joe Root’s Test Centuries Against India
| No. | Score | Venue | Year | Match Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 154* | Trent Bridge | 2014 | 5th Test |
| 2 | 124 | Rajkot | 2016 | 1st Test |
| 3 | 190 | Lord’s | 2018 | 2nd Test |
| 4 | 102* | Headingley | 2018 | 3rd Test |
| 5 | 125 | The Oval | 2021 | 4th Test |
| 6 | 218 | Chennai | 2021 | 1st Test |
| 7 | 121 | Lord’s | 2021 | 2nd Test |
| 8 | 109 | Ahmedabad | 2021 | 3rd Test |
| 9 | 125* | Edgbaston | 2022 | 5th Test |
| 10 | 114 | Ahmedabad | 2023 | 1st Test |