It has been said test cricket is the purest form to examine a batter’s talent, skill, endurance, temperament, and patience. For decades, globally Indian batters have gained respect for their world-class attacks with patience and discipline on the crease.
From Rahul Dravid’s legendary resilience to Cheteshwar Pujara’s modern-day grit, India has given many finest stonewallers in the red-ball arena. Here’s a look at the top five Indian batters with the most balls faced in a single Test innings.
1. Cheteshwar Pujara – 525 balls vs Australia, Ranchi (2017)
Nicknamed India’s “new wall,” Cheteshwar Pujara produced one of the most grinding knocks of his career in Ranchi. Batting against a strong Australian bowling attack, he faced a staggering 525 deliveries for his 202 runs. His ability to blunt the opposition and bat deep into the innings ensured India held firm in a crucial Test. That marathon innings cemented his reputation as the modern successor to Dravid’s legendary defensive style.
2. Rahul Dravid – 495 balls vs Pakistan, Rawalpindi (2004)
Rahul Dravid, famously known as “The Wall,” played one of his most iconic innings during the 2004 series in Pakistan. He scored a monumental 270 runs off 495 balls, occupying the crease for 740 minutes. This innings not only showcased his extraordinary concentration but also laid the foundation for India’s historic series victory on Pakistani soil. It remains one of the most significant knocks in Indian Test history.
3. Navjot Singh Sidhu – 491 balls vs West Indies, Port of Spain (1997)
Better known for his flamboyant batting in one-day cricket, Navjot Singh Sidhu showed his steely side in the longest format. Against a formidable West Indies attack in Port of Spain, he played a determined knock of 201 runs off 491 balls. His marathon effort frustrated the bowlers, proving that beneath the aggression was a batter capable of immense patience and resilience when the team needed it.
4. Ravi Shastri – 477 balls vs Australia, Sydney (1992)
Before becoming a commentator and coach, Ravi Shastri was a gritty Test cricketer. At the Sydney Cricket Ground, he demonstrated his ability to grind out a result, facing 477 balls for his 206 runs. His innings helped India secure a hard-fought draw against a strong Australian side, underlining his value as a dependable batter in tough overseas conditions.
5. Sunil Gavaskar – 472 balls vs England, Bengaluru (1979)
India’s original batting rock, Sunil Gavaskar, was renowned for his technique and patience at the crease. In Bengaluru, he produced a classic Gavaskar knock, scoring 172 runs off 472 balls against England. His ability to occupy the crease for long periods and tire out bowlers set the benchmark for future generations of Indian openers.
A Legacy of Patience
From Gavaskar to Pujara, these marathon innings underline the value of resilience in Test cricket. They also highlight an enduring Indian tradition — producing batters who can grind out hours under pressure, frustrate the opposition, and give their side the platform to win or save matches. In a cricketing era increasingly dominated by power hitting, these performances remain timeless examples of skill, patience, and unflinching determination.
