India’s top three highest Test run scorers against England

Team India are ready to usher in a new era in their Test history, as Shubman Gill takes over as skipper with Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravi Ashwin deciding to move on from the game. Gill’s first assignment as skipper is a five-match Test series against England. The series begins in a couple of weeks, with the first Test slated for the 20th of June. India vs England games have fascinated the crowds in the past, unearthing plenty of new superstars while cementing the reputation of the already-established players.

While the excitement builds towards this series, here’s a look at the top three most successful Indian Test batters against England: 

1. Sachin Tendulkar

The Master Blaster is often at the top of most lists, thanks to his longevity and exceptional cricketing prowess. He made his debut back in 1989 and played until 2013, giving cricket fans in India and around the world countless memorable moments. 

England were one of the preferred opponents for Sachin Tendulkar, especially in Test cricket. He got his first-ever century against England in August 1990 at Old Trafford. Sachin Tendulkar played 17 Tests in England and scored 1575 runs at an average of 54.31. He hit four centuries and eight half-centuries in England. Overall, he scored 2535 runs in 32 Tests at an average of 51.73. 

2. Sunil Gavaskar

Known for his dogged defense and disciplined cricket, it comes as no real surprise to see Sunil Gavaskar in this list of top run scorers against England. The Little Master held fort for India through the 1970s and 1980s, taking on some of the most hostile bowling without even having a helmet. Gavaskar played 38 Tests against England, scoring 2483 runs at an average of 38.20.

While he did have the luxury of playing England plenty of times back in the day, he also boasts an imperious record at a time when India wasn’t necessarily known as the best batting side. The diminutive opener scored four hundreds and 16 fifties against England, including an illustrious double century at the Oval in 1979. Gavaskar was part of that famous Indian squad that won an away series against England back in 1971 as well. 

3. Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli famously had his troubles in the early phase of his career against England and against the swinging ball, but the way he overcame them later on is a story for the ages. The former Indian captain had a solid record against England, scoring 1991 runs in 28 Tests at an average of 42.36. 

Virat Kohli was almost the lone warrior for India in the 2018 tour of England as he was head and shoulders above the rest in terms of runs and records. That was also the tour when he overcame his Dukes ball difficulties, and famously never got out to James Anderson. Kohli led India to a 2-2 drawn series three years later as well, delivering the famous ‘60 overs of hell’ line to his teammates. Now that he has retired, team India need to chart out a plan for this series without his energy and prowess.