When centuries win matches: Top 5 Indian batters with most Test tons in winning cause

Akshita Patel

Most Test tons for Inda in wining cause [Source: @viratkohli_un, @ImTanujSingh, @Vinay_venus/X.com]Most Test tons for Inda in wining cause [Source: @viratkohli_un, @ImTanujSingh, @Vinay_venus/X.com]

Cricket is a game where individual brilliance can often decide the outcome of a match. For India, Test match centuries in their wins have been a signature of fine players standing tall when it is most required.

Recently, two young talents, Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, have entered the conversation, hitting 7 and 6 tons respectively in winning cause.

On that note, here's a closer look at the top 5 Indian batters with the most Test centuries in winning causes.

5. Rohit Sharma - 12 centuries

5. Rohit Sharma - 12 centuries [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]5. Rohit Sharma - 12 centuries [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]

Former Indian captain Rohit Sharma is firmly placed at fifth place in this list with 12 centuries in wins. Overall, he amassed 2985 Test runs in winning causes with a 57.40 average and nine fifties. 

Even as captain, Rohit scored 1254 runs in 24 Tests with a 30.58 average. Rohit's elegance, big-hitting ability, and adaptability made him a versatile match-winner in his time in the whites.

4. Cheteshwar Pujara - 13 centuries

4. Cheteshwar Pujara - 13 centuries [Source: @SirJadeja/X.com]4. Cheteshwar Pujara - 13 centuries [Source: @SirJadeja/X.com]

India's modern-day wall, Cheteshwar Pujara, was a solid workhorse in the Test format. With 13 centuries in winning matches, Pujara's style is a classic example of patience and grit. 

He hit 4408 runs in winning cause with a 50.66 average and 23 fifties. From grinding out long innings on difficult pitches, especially in overseas conditions, Pujara's performances have been key in turning close games into wins. 

3. Virat Kohli - 14 centuries

3. Virat Kohli - 14 centuries [Source: @ImTanujSingh/X.com]3. Virat Kohli - 14 centuries [Source: @ImTanujSingh/X.com]

The modern-day great, Virat Kohli, has made 14 centuries in Test matches won by India. As captain, he hammered 5864 runs, while 4746 runs also came in for the winning cause, with a 47.27 average and 16 fifties. 

Kohli had done well under pressure, frequently taking India out of difficult situations with his dominance at the crease. Beyond the statistics, Kohli's centuries in won matches reflect his ability to rise to the occasion, inspiring teammates and turning the game around single-handedly with match-winning innings.

2. Rahul Dravid - 15 centuries

2. Rahul Dravid - 15 centuries [Source: @ICC/X.com]2. Rahul Dravid - 15 centuries [Source: @ICC/X.com]

India's original 'Wall', Rahul Dravid, is second in this list at 15 Test centuries in winning causes. He aggregated 5131 runs in winning matches with a 65.78 average and 23 half-centuries. 

Dravid went about building match-winning totals silently, tiring out opposing bowlers and setting up blocks for victories. A large number of his centuries were scored in adversity, reflecting not only skill but brilliant determination and mental resilience.

1. Sachin Tendulkar - 20 centuries

1. Sachin Tendulkar - 20 centuries [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]1. Sachin Tendulkar - 20 centuries [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]

The name Sachin Tendulkar needs no introduction. The 'God' of cricket tops the list with 20 Test centuries in winning causes. Overall, he hit 5946 runs in Test matches that India won with a 61.93 average and 24 fifties. His highest Test score was 248* in this period. 

Whether chasing challenging totals abroad or setting imposing targets at home, his centuries often turned games in India's favour. Tendulkar's innings had a mixture of skill, temperament, and unshakeable temperament that made him a stalwart of Indian cricket for more than two decades.