Who holds the record for the most runs in Test for India? From legends like Sachin Tendulkar to modern stars like Virat Kohli, Indian cricket has seen some extraordinary run machines in the red-ball format. In this blog, we break down the top scorers, their stats, and their unforgettable contributions to Indian Test cricket.
Top 20 Players with the Most Runs in Test for India
Over the years, India has seen some of the greatest Test batsmen in cricket history — from the iconic Sachin Tendulkar to the ever-determined Rahul Dravid, and the modern-day maestro Virat Kohli. Here’s a look at the top 20 Indian players with the most runs in Test cricket, based on matches, innings, total runs, and their highest individual score
| Rank | Player | Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest |
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar | 200 | 329 | 15,921 | 248* |
| 2 | Rahul Dravid | 163 | 284 | 13,265 | 270 |
| 3 | Sunil Gavaskar | 125 | 214 | 10,122 | 236* |
| 4 | Virat Kohli | 123 | 210 | 9,230 | 254* |
| 5 | V. V. S. Laxman | 134 | 225 | 8,781 | 281 |
| 6 | Virender Sehwag | 103 | 178 | 8,503 | 319 |
| 7 | Sourav Ganguly | 113 | 188 | 7,212 | 239 |
| 8 | Cheteshwar Pujara | 103 | 176 | 7,195 | 206* |
| 9 | Dilip Vengsarkar | 116 | 185 | 6,868 | 166 |
| 10 | Mohammad Azharuddin | 99 | 147 | 6,215 | 199 |
| 11 | Gundappa Viswanath | 91 | 155 | 6,080 | 222 |
| 12 | Kapil Dev | 131 | 184 | 5,248 | 163 |
| 13 | Ajinkya Rahane | 85 | 144 | 5,077 | 188 |
| 14 | MS Dhoni | 90 | 144 | 4,876 | 224 |
| 15 | Mohinder Amarnath | 69 | 113 | 4,378 | 138 |
| 16 | Rohit Sharma | 67 | 116 | 4,301 | 212 |
| 17 | Gautam Gambhir | 58 | 104 | 4,154 | 206 |
| 18 | Murali Vijay | 61 | 105 | 3,982 | 167 |
| 19 | Ravi Shastri | 80 | 121 | 3,830 | 206 |
| 20 | Polly Umrigar | 59 | 94 | 3,631 | 223 |
Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar leads the all-time charts for India in Test cricket, having scored an incredible 15,921 runs across 200 matches. With 51 centuries, 68 fifties, and a highest score of 248*, he dominated world-class bowlers for over two decades. Known for his flawless technique and consistency, Tendulkar remains the gold standard in Indian Test cricket history.
Key Test Stats – Sachin Tendulkar
- Matches: 200
- Innings: 329
- Runs: 15,921
- Highest Score: 248*
- Average: 53.78
- Centuries: 51
- Fifties: 68
Rahul Dravid
Rahul Dravid, famously nicknamed “The Wall,” ranks second among India’s highest Test run-scorers with 13,265 runs in 163 matches. His rock-solid technique and unmatched patience made him a reliable pillar in India’s batting lineup. Dravid scored 36 centuries, with a highest of 270, and was instrumental in many famous overseas victories.
Key Test Stats – Rahul Dravid
- Matches: 163
- Innings: 284
Runs: 13,265 - Highest Score: 270
- Average: 52.63
- Centuries: 36
- Fifties: 63
Sunil Gavaskar
A pioneer of Indian batting in the pre-modern era, Sunil Gavaskar was the first cricketer to cross the 10,000-run mark in Test cricket. He scored 10,122 runs in 125 matches, often facing fearsome fast bowlers without a helmet. Gavaskar’s calm, classical style earned him 34 centuries, including a best of 236*.
Key Test Stats – Sunil Gavaskar
- Matches: 125
- Innings: 214
- Runs: 10,122
- Highest Score: 236*
- Average: 51.12
- Centuries: 34
- Fifties: 45
Virat Kohli
One of the finest modern-day batters, Virat Kohli has brought aggression and intensity to India’s Test batting. With 9,230 runs in 123 matches, he’s known for his dominance across formats. Kohli’s highest score of 254* came against South Africa, and his tally includes 30 centuries, showing his hunger for big performances.
Key Test Stats – Virat Kohli
- Matches: 123
- Innings: 210
- Runs: 9,230
- Highest Score: 254*
- Average: 46.85
- Centuries: 30
- Fifties: 31
V. V. S. Laxman
Known for his elegance and unshakable composure under pressure, V. V. S. Laxman scored 8,781 runs in 134 Test appearances for India. His unforgettable 281 against Australia in 2001 at Eden Gardens is still hailed as one of the finest Test innings of all time. With 17 hundreds and 56 half-centuries, Laxman often delivered when the team needed him the most.
Key Test Stats – V. V. S. Laxman
- Matches: 134
- Innings: 225
- Runs: 8,781
- Highest Score: 281
- Average: 45.97
- Centuries: 17
- Fifties: 56
Virender Sehwag
Virender Sehwag redefined Test match batting with his attacking mindset at the top of the order. Known for taking the game to the bowlers from ball one, he compiled 8,503 runs in 103 Tests for India. His bold stroke play led to two triple centuries — including a breathtaking 319 against South Africa — underlining his ability to dominate even in the longest format.
Key Test Stats – Virender Sehwag
- Matches: 103
- Innings: 178
- Runs: 8,503
- Highest Score: 319
- Average: 49.43
- Centuries: 23
- Fifties: 31
Sourav Ganguly
A fearless leader and elegant left-hander, Sourav Ganguly played a crucial role in shaping modern Indian cricket. He scored 7,212 runs in 113 Test matches, placing him among the top players with the most runs in Test for India.
Key Test Stats – Sourav Ganguly
- Matches: 113
- Innings: 188
- Runs: 7,212
- Highest Score: 239
- Average: 42.17
- Centuries: 16
- Fifties: 35
Cheteshwar Pujara
Renowned for his grit and patience, Cheteshwar Pujara has been India’s backbone in the longest format over the last decade. With 7,195 runs in 103 Tests, he remains a vital contributor among players with the most runs in Test for India. His highest score of 206* highlights his ability to bat long and anchor innings.
Key Test Stats – Cheteshwar Pujara
- Matches: 103
- Innings: 176
- Runs: 7,195
- Highest Score: 206*
- Average: 43.60
- Centuries: 19
- Fifties: 35
Dilip Vengsarkar
During the late 1970s and 80s, Dilip Vengsarkar emerged as one of India’s most graceful and reliable middle-order batters. Renowned for his elegant stroke play and composed demeanor, he tallied 6,868 runs in 116 Test matches. With 17 centuries and a top score of 166, Vengsarkar was a pillar of stability in India’s batting order during a crucial phase of its evolution.
Key Test Stats – Dilip Vengsarkar
- Matches: 116
- Innings: 185
- Runs: 6,868
- Highest Score: 166
- Average: 42.13
- Centuries: 17
- Fifties: 35
Mohammad Azharuddin
Mohammad Azharuddin brought flair and wristy elegance to India’s Test middle order during the 1990s. He started his career in spectacular fashion, scoring centuries in each of his first three Test matches — a rare feat in cricket history. Over the course of 99 Tests, he accumulated 6,215 runs, including a highest score of 199 and 22 centuries, reflecting his natural talent and ability to turn games in India’s favor.
Key Test Stats – Mohammad Azharuddin
- Matches: 99
- Innings: 147
- Runs: 6,215
- Highest Score: 199
- Average: 45.03
- Centuries: 22
- Fifties: 21
Read More: Highest Individual Score in Test
Active Players with the Most Test Runs in International Cricket – India’s Top Contenders
While legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid set the benchmark for Indian Test batting, a new generation of stars continues to carry the torch. Several active Indian players are steadily climbing the charts, challenging all-time records and aiming to cement their place among the greats. Here’s a look at the top active Indian cricketers with the most Test runs in international cricket as of 2025.
1. Cheteshwar Pujara
Though currently out of favor, Pujara has already amassed 7,195 runs in Test cricket. His role as a classical, defensive batter has been crucial in India’s success overseas, particularly in Australia and England. If he returns to the side, he still has the potential to climb even higher in the all-time list.
2. KL Rahul
KL Rahul has been in and out of the Test side but remains a technically gifted batter. With 3,400+ runs and several centuries to his name, his adaptability across conditions gives him the tools to scale higher in Test rankings—if he can find consistency.
3. Shubman Gill
A promising young talent, Shubman Gill has already shown glimpses of brilliance in his short Test career. With growing experience and a strong temperament, he’s widely considered one of the future stars who could one day join the elite list of players with the most runs in Test for India.
These active players not only define the present of Indian Test cricket but also have the potential to shape its future. As they continue to perform across challenging tours and home series, fans can expect more milestones to be shattered in the years to come.
Final Words
From the classical stroke play of Sunil Gavaskar to the relentless consistency of Rahul Dravid and the unmatched dominance of Sachin Tendulkar, Indian Test cricket has been shaped by generations of batting greats. As new talents like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shubman Gill continue to rise, the legacy only grows stronger. These run machines have not only amassed numbers but have inspired millions with their grit, elegance, and love for the red-ball game. Whether you’re a stats lover or a nostalgic fan, the list of most runs in Test for India tells the story of Indian cricket’s evolution — one inning at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who is India’s highest run-scorer in Test cricket?
A: The record for the most Test runs by an Indian belongs to Sachin Tendulkar, who amassed 15,921 runs in 200 Test matches during his legendary career.
Q2. Who is the highest active run-scorer for India in Test cricket?
A: As of 2025, Virat Kohli leads all active Indian cricketers in Test runs, having scored more than 9,200 runs in the format.
Q3. Which Indian player has the highest individual score in a Test match?
A: Virender Sehwag holds this distinction with a blistering 319-run innings against South Africa in the year 2008.
Q4. How many Indian players have scored more than 10,000 Test runs?
A: So far, three Indian players have achieved this milestone in Tests — Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar.
Q5. Which Indian batter has amassed the highest number of runs in a single Test series?
A: Virat Kohli scored 692 runs in the 2014–15 Test series against Australia, one of the highest for India in a single series.
