Top 10 Best Test Score for India at each Batting Position

India’s batting line-up in Test cricket has always been filled with superstars and surprise performers. From the fearless openers to the gritty tailenders, every position in the Indian team has produced memorable innings. In this article, we will dive into the Best Test Score for India at each Batting Position from position 1 to 11 featuring legendary knocks that have etched themselves in Indian cricket history.

Let’s explore each player’s record-breaking performance in detail.

List of Top 10 Best Test Score for India at each Batting Position

1. Virender Sehwag – 254 Runs (Opening Position)

When it comes to fearless and destructive openers, Virender Sehwag stands at the top. His innings of 254 runs against Pakistan in 2006 was not just about runs—it was about sending a message. Sehwag attacked the bowlers from ball one, smashing boundaries across all parts of the ground. He built a massive opening partnership and entertained fans with a rare mix of aggression and control. This knock truly reflects the Best Test Score for India at each Batting Position, especially for an opener.

Player	Score	Opponent	Year
Virender Sehwag	254	Pakistan	2006

2. Virender Sehwag – 319 Runs (Second Position)

Sehwag appears again this time with the second batting position. His 319-run innings against South Africa in 2008 remains the fastest triple-century in Test history. Batting with flair and confidence, he punished every bowler mercilessly. This iconic innings not only sealed his legacy but also remains the Best Test Score for India at each Batting Position at number 2. It was pure dominance from a batsman who changed the way opening batsmen approached Test cricket.

Player	Score	Opponent	Year
Virender Sehwag	319	South Africa	2008

3. VVS Laxman – 281 Runs (Third Position)

VVS Laxman’s 281 against Australia in 2001 is considered one of the greatest Test innings ever played not just in India but worldwide. Coming in after India was forced to follow on, Laxman played with elegance, patience, and style. His magical wrist work and stunning shot selection mesmerized the crowd at Eden Gardens. His knock led India to a historic win and stands as the Best Test Score for India at each Batting Position at number 3.

Player	Score	Opponent	Year
VVS Laxman	281	Australia	2001

4. Shubman Gill – 269 Runs (Fourth Position)

The future of Indian cricket looks bright with players like Shubman Gill. His 269-run innings against England in 2025 proved that he belongs to the elite list. Calm under pressure and technically sound, Gill built his innings beautifully. With elegant cover drives and confident strokes, he made batting look effortless. His effort now ranks as the Best Test Score for India at each Batting Position at number 4.

Player	Score	Opponent	Year
Shubman Gill	269	England	2025

5. Karun Nair – 303 Runs (Fifth Position)*

Karun Nair surprised the world with his unbeaten 303 against England in 2016. In only his third Test, he became only the second Indian to hit a triple-century. What made this innings even more special was his control and ability to convert a start into something legendary. Despite limited chances after this knock, his name is now etched in history for the Best Test Score for India at each Batting Position at number 5.

Player	Score	Opponent	Year
Karun Nair	303*	England	2016

6. MS Dhoni – 224 Runs (Sixth Position)

Captain Cool delivered one of his finest Test knocks with 224 runs against Australia in Chennai in 2013. Coming in when India needed stability, Dhoni counter-attacked the Aussie bowlers with brutal hitting and clever stroke play. His 224 remains the highest score by an Indian wicketkeeper in Tests and clearly stands as the Best Test Score for India at each Batting Position in the 6th slot.

Player	Score	Opponent	Year
MS Dhoni	224	Australia	2013

7. Ravindra Jadeja – 175 Runs (Seventh Position)*

Known for his all-round brilliance, Ravindra Jadeja played a gem of a knock with 175 not out against Sri Lanka in 2022. Batting at number 7, he showed patience and maturity as he built a strong lower-order partnership. His batting was calm and commanding, helping India post a massive score. Without doubt, this is the Best Test Score for India at each Batting Position at number 7.

Player	Score	Opponent	Year
Ravindra Jadeja	175*	Sri Lanka	2022

8. MS Dhoni – 144 Runs (Eighth Position)

Yes, Dhoni again! Batting at number 8, Dhoni’s 144 against West Indies in 2006 proved he could deliver even down the order. With wickets falling around him, Dhoni stood firm and attacked when needed. His resilience and attacking mindset made sure India didn’t collapse entirely. This innings still stands as the Best Test Score for India at each Batting Position in the 8th spot.

Player	Score	Opponent	Year
MS Dhoni	144	West Indies	2006

9. Jayant Yadav – 104 Runs (Ninth Position)

Jayant Yadav shocked cricket fans when he scored a century from the number 9 position something very rare in Test cricket. His 104 against England in 2016 wasn’t just about personal glory, but about contributing crucial lower-order runs. It helped India gain a huge lead. For a number 9, this knock is easily the Best Test Score for India at each Batting Position.

Player	Score	Opponent	Year
Jayant Yadav	104	England	2016

10. Ramakant Desai – 85 Runs (Tenth Position)

Back in 1960, Ramakant Desai, a fast bowler, displayed unexpected batting talent by scoring 85 runs against New Zealand. Batting at number 10, his innings was filled with grit and courage. He hung around to build valuable partnerships and helped India stretch the total. Even decades later, his innings remains the Best Test Score for India at each Batting Position in the 10th slot.

Player	Score	Opponent	Year
Ramakant Desai	85	New Zealand	1960

11. Zaheer Khan – 75 Runs (Eleventh Position)

Tailenders rarely shine with the bat, but Zaheer Khan did just that with his 75-run knock against Bangladesh in 2004. Coming in at number 11, he showed amazing composure and smart shot selection. His innings was a bonus that frustrated the opposition bowlers. This performance still holds as the Best Test Score for India at each Batting Position at number 11.

Player	Score	Opponent	Year
Zaheer Khan	75	Bangladesh	2004

READ MORE:

• Top 10 Highest Individual Score in Test for India
• Beyond the Bat: The True Reason Behind Shubman Gill’s ‘Prince of Cricket’ Tag

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