On May 12, 2025, Indian cricket bid farewell to one of its modern giants, Virat Kohli, as he announced his retirement from Test cricket. Kohli, a name synonymous with passion, precision, and unrelenting drive, concluded a remarkable career that spanned 123 Tests and over a decade of dominance.
With 9,230 runs and 30 centuries in 123 Tests, Kohli’s aggressive batting and leadership, including 40 wins as captain, transformed India into a Test powerhouse. His seven double-centuries and historic series wins, like Australia 2018-19, cemented his legacy.
India’s Test cricket legacy is adorned with batting giants whose records reflect their skill, resilience and impact. From pioneers who faced fearsome pace attacks to modern maestros who dominated across conditions, these players have set benchmarks that continue to inspire. Here are the top five highest run-getters for India in Test cricket, a list where Virat Kohli proudly resides, alongside other legends who have etched their names in history.
Also read: Top 5 Best Test Knocks Of Virat Kohli
- Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar, the "Master Blaster," reigns supreme with 15,921 runs in 200 Tests (1989–2013), averaging 53.78. Scoring 51 centuries, the highest in the format, and 68 fifties, he outclassed bowlers like Wasim Akram and Shane Warne across eras. His numbers remain unmatched. Tendulkar’s consistency and adaptability inarguably make him India’s greatest red-ball batter.
- Rahul Dravid
Rahul Dravid, dubbed "The Wall," scored 13,265 runs in 163 Tests, averaging 52.63. With 36 centuries and 63 fifties, his technical prowess shone in tough conditions. Dravid’s technical brilliance and unyielding patience made him India’s backbone during the 1990s and 2000s.
- Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar amassed 10,122 runs in 125 Tests (1971–1987), averaging 51.12. His 34 centuries and 45 fifties, including 774 runs in his debut series against the West Indies, redefined Indian batting. Gavaskar’s technique against pace giants like Michael Holding and Malcolm Marshall laid India’s Test foundation.
- Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli’s 9,230 runs in 123 Tests, with 30 centuries and 31 fifties, place him fourth. His seven double-centuries, a record for India, and knocks like 149 versus England at Edgbaston in 2018 defined his era. Kohli’s captaincy and fearless mindset reshaped Indian Test cricket. Kohli’s impact transcends numbers, shaping Indian cricket’s modern identity.
- VVS Laxman
VVS Laxman, the artist of India’s middle-order, rounds out the top five with 8,781 runs in 134 Tests at an average of 45.97. Known for his silken wristwork and match-defining knocks, Laxman scored 17 centuries and 56 fifties. His 281-run knock against Australia in Kolkata in 2001 is etched in cricketing folklore, turning the Test match on its head as India won by 171 runs after a follow-on.
Also read: Virat Kohli Career Stats in Test Cricket
