Virat Kohli has become the 12th Indian cricketer to make 100 Test appearances. Kohli, who made his Test debut in 2011 against West Indies, walked out to play his 100th Test at Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali. While there is a long list of international players who have played 100 Tests or more, only 11 have achieved the milestone for India. Here’s a look at the 11 legendary Indian cricketers who have made 100 or more appearances in the longest format of the game.
Sachin Tendulkar
Undoubtedly, one of the legends of the game, Sachin Tendulkar is the only cricketer who has played 200 Tests. Tendulkar is the highest run-scorer in the five-day format by far. He has 15,921 runs at an average of 53.78 including record 51 centuries. Tendulkar made his Test debut in 1989 and played for more than two decades. The Mumbai-born batter played his last Test against West Indies in 2013.
Rahul Dravid
Current head coach of Team India, Rahul Dravid has played 163 Tests in a career that spanned over 16 years. He scored 13,265 runs at an average of 52.63 including 36 centuries. Dravid was regarded as one of the most technically sound batter. His defensive technique also earned him the nickname 'The Wall'. He turned out to be one of the most dependable Indian batter in overseas conditions.
VVS Laxman
VVS Laxman has played 134 Tests for India and scored 8,781 runs at an average of 45.97 including 17 centuries. Laxman is known for his wristy shots. His most memorable innings came against Australia at Eden Gardens, Kolkata with Dravid at the other end. His 281-run knock helped India recover from follow-on and beat Australia.
Anil Kumble
India's highest wicket-taker in the redb-ball format, Anil Kumble played 132 Tests before his career came to an end because of an injury. Kumble took 619 wickets for India at an average of 29.65 including the 10-wicket haul against Pakistan in an innings at then-Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, Delhi. He was also handy with the bat down the order and has one Test century to his name.
Kapil Dev
India's first World Cup-winning captain is undoubtedly the best pace-bowling all-rounder the country has ever produced. Dev has 5,248 runs to his name at an average of 31.05 including eight centuries. With ball in hand, he has 434 wickets in the format. The former captain has the second-most wickets for India in Test cricket.
Sunil Gavaskar
Before Kohli, it was Sachin and before Sachin, it was Gavaskar who was regarded as the best Indian batter of his time. Sunil Gavaskar earned the nickname 'Little Master' for his consistency in the white jersey. Gavaskar was the first batter to cross the 10,000-run mark in Test cricket. He played 125 Tests and scored 10,122 runs at an average of 51.12 including 34 centuries.
Dilip Vengsarkar
Dilip Vengsarkar is another Indian batter who went on to play more than 100 Tests for India. A gutsy Vengsarkar played 116 Tests and scored 6,868 runs at an average of 42.13 including 17 centuries.
Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly defined aggression before Virat Kohli took the field. Ganguly represented India in 113 Tests and scored 7,212 runs at an average of 42.17 including 16 centuries. Ganguly made an emphatic debut with a century against England at Lord's. Ganguly is the only left-handed Indian batter on the list. He earned the nickname 'God of offside' for his exquisite strokeplay.
Ishant Sharma
It is very rare for a fast bowler to play 100 Tests or more, especially an Indian fast bowler. Ishant Sharma has played 105 Tests and picked up 311 wickets at an average of 32.40. Ishant has troubled batters with the bounce he generates from the pitch. Despite injuries, the Delhi-born fast bowler worked on his fitness and became a workhorse, bowling marathon spells and getting crucial wickets.
Harbhajan Singh
One of the greatest spinners of all-time, Harbhajan Singh played 103 Tests for India. The off-spinner has 417 wickets to his name at an average of 32.46 including 25 five-wicket hauls (in an innings). Harbhajan enjoyed bowling against Australian batters. He also enjoyed success during the iconic Test series between India and Australia (2000/01). He contributed with the bat down the order as well. He has two Test centuries to his name.
Virender Sehwag
One of the most fearless and attacking openers of all time, Virender Sehwag played 103 Tests for India. Sehwag redefined batting against the new ball in Test cricket. He scored 8,503 runs at an average of 49.43 including 23 centuries. He also has two triple centuries to his name. After hanging his boots, the attacking opener is well-known for his humour on and off social media.
