Indian Cricketers who have played Over 100 Tests

In the times of power-hitting in the limited-overs format, pundits often question the relevance of Test Cricket. Amidst all debates, few players rise to unimaginable heights and fight for the game they love and cherish. T20s might be riveting, but Tests remain the Holy Grail of cricket. Despite all hardships and hurdles that one encounters in international cricket, few special cricketers beat all odds and achieve milestones that never fail to amaze cricket aficionados.

King Kohli to be the 12th Indian to feature in 100 Tests

To play 100 Tests is a dream that seems unachievable for many but not for the ones who are born to rule the game. In the history of the gentlemen’s game, 70 players have succeeded to play for 100 Tests and more in international cricket. But in the upcoming India Vs Sri Lanka Test in Mohali, former India captain Virat Kohli will be the latest addition to the elite club. In 99 games, the run-machine already has 7,962 runs in his tally. Kohli played his first Test against West Indies on 20th June 2011. In addition to being a great cricketer, he is also one of the most followed sportspersons, having numerous endorsements and brands partnering with him.

India’s Elite xI

The real test of technique-temperament-mindset-fitness sets the bar of red-ball cricket to the next level. There are only 11 Indian Cricketers who have played Over 100 Tests. Let’s take a look at the list featuring veterans from different eras, who have made Indian Cricket proud on countless occasions.

Sunil Gavaskar

The original Little Master Sunil Gavaskar was the first Indian ever. In the times when batters faced ferocious bowling line-up with high-end cricket equipments, Gavaskar taught the world how to slam bowlers with resilience and grit. Being the first Test player to have scored over 10,000 runs, the legend ended his career with 10,122 runs in 125 Tests.

Dileep Vengsarkar

Dilip Vengsarkar alongside Gavaskar was a colossal pillar of the Indian Team in the ’80s and ’90s. In 116 Tests, Colonel made 6,868 runs with 17 tons and 35 fifties. A player who never succumbed in crunch situations, the former captain remains a true legend of the sport.

Kapil Dev

Kapil Dev – a prolific run-scorer, a magical swing bowler, a fantastic fielder, and a terrific leader. The Haryana Hurricane was a sensation in every respect of the game. India’s all-time greatest all-rounder was a rage in the game in the ’80s and ’90s. In 131 Tests, Dev picked up 434 wickets and still remains India’s 2nd highest wicket-taker in Tests. At an average of 31.05, he scored 5,248 runs with 8 centuries to his name.

Sachin Tendulkar

A player needs to be an exception to all, in order to earn the title God Of Cricket. Master Blaster’s journey in cricket can not be summed up in a few lines. From being a teenage phenomenon to going on to represent the nation for more than 2 decades, Tendulkar really embraced divinity on the pitch. He is the only player to have played 200 Tests. With an aggregate of 15,921 runs, Sachin is the highest run-scorer in the history of Test matches.

Anil Kumble

India’s finest match-winner Anil Kumble is a big reason why the Indian Team of the 2000s was so successful even against the toughest of oppositions. With 619 dismissals in 132 Tests, the leg-spin maestro remains India’s highest wicket-taker in Tests. The Jumbo thus is the only leg-spinner amongst Indian Cricketers who have played over 100 Tests.

Rahul Dravid

The Wall Of Indian Cricket, Rahul Dravid is arguably one of the best Test batters of all time. His sound technique and composed psyche kept him ahead of the other players. In 164 Tests, Dravid made 13,288 runs at a staggering average of 52.31. The batting genius currently serves as the Head Coach of Team India.

Also Read: 5 most Underrated Indian Cricketers at Present – The SportsLite

Sourav Ganguly

The Prince Of Kolkata is widely regarded as the man who infused aggression into the Indian team. Alongside being a charismatic leader, Ganguly was an elegant stroke player. His tally of 7,212 runs in 113 Tests is a testament to that. No matter who is running in with the red cherry hand, the present-day BCCI President always proved who the real Dada is.

VVS Laxman

The wrist legend of Indian cricket, VVS Laxman was a sight of joy with the bat in hand. A virtuoso of both pace and spin, Laxman has been the hero of several iconic triumphs in the history of the game. He featured in 134 Tests and aggregated 8,781 runs and his highest score of 281 against Australia in Kolkata is perhaps the most magnificent knock by an Indian batter in Tests.

Virender Sehwag

In a format where players are advised to focus more on their defense, Sehwag hammered bowlers in his own brutal yet nonchalant fashion. He is India’s first Test batter to hit a triple century in international cricket. The Nawab of Najafgrah is often described as the most exciting Test opener of all time. In 104 Test, he scored 8,586 runs at a batting average of nearly 50.

Also Read: 10 Players with Most Runs in Test cricket history

Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh and Kumble were a formidable spin jodi who were capable of wrecking damage to even the best of opposition batting line-ups with the red ball. In 103 matches, Bhajji has 417 breakthroughs to his name. Even in conditions that had little help for spinners, the Turbanator always had his hand up to break partnerships. He is also the first Indian to take a hat-trick in Tests.

Ishant Sharma

Ishant Sharma is one of the most underrated cricketers in international cricket. The lanky pacer has been the unsung hero of several matches and is still an asset for the present-day Indian Test team. His exceptional spell of 7/74 against England led India to an iconic Test victory at Lord’s in 28 years. So far, the veteran seamer has featured in 105 Tests with 311 wickets to his name. Hence, it’s not surprising that he is one of the Indian Cricketers who have played Over 100 Tests