It was on 20 June 2011, when one of the greatest batsmen of the cricket world made his Test debut and the rest is history. Virat Kohli is his name and he established himself as the legend he is today through a lot of grit and hard work. Virat Kohli's test career is mostly a fairytale with a few ups and downs. SportzPoint.com takes you on a tour of Kohli's test career from the beginning to the ongoing test of India vs England.

2011:

The first test match of Virat Kohli's test career was against West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica. His first match was a bit disheartening as he scored only 19 runs. In the first innings, he got out for 4 runs and in the second innings, he managed to hit 15 runs in 54 balls. Fidel Edwards managed to send him away back to the pavilion in both the innings.

In the entire year, he got the chance to play in 5 matches; 4 against West Indies and 1 against Australia. He hit 2 half-centuries and made a total of 202 runs with an average of 22.44 and a strike rate of 42.71

Read also: ENG vs IND Test Series: Virat Kohli ensures comeback

2012:

The first century of Virat Kohli's test career was against Australia hosted in the Oval. In the fourth Test match of India vs Australia, he smashed 116 runs in 213 balls and registered his first test century. In 2012, he got the opportunity to play in 9 test matches against 3 countries.

The 1st three matches were against Australia, the next two were against New Zealand and the last four were against England. Kohli smashed 1 century against all these 3 countries in 2012. In the second test match against New Zealand, Kohli scored 103 runs. Also, in the 4th test match against England, he hit 103 runs. Furthermore, he also registered 3 half-centuries under his name in 2012.

In the entire year, Kohli aggregated 689 runs with an average of 49.21 and a strike rate of 46.74.

2013:

This was the time when the king of cricket was flourishing and prospering for a great future ahead. His overall performance in 2013 has been exceptional with an average of 56.00 and a strike rate of 54.66.

2013 witnessed one of his best knocks in India tour of South Africa in a 2 test series. On the first match in Johannesburg, Kohli created a storm on the field and scored 119 runs in 181 balls. This was his second overseas test century.

Even after batting against legends like Jacques Kallis, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Vernon Philander, and Imran Tahir, he remained positive and focused from the beginning and helped the team to draw the match at the end. Without this century, India could have lost the match.

Read also: Top 5 players with the most man of the series awards in International cricket

2014:

During this time Virat Kohli has already established himself as a prominent member of the Indian cricket team by his previous performances and stats. He played in 10 test matches against 3 countries in 2014.

The first 2 test matches were against New Zealand where Kohli scored a half-century in the first match and a century in the second match.

After a gap of about 5 months, India went on a tour to England and played 5 test matches. In the later future, Kohli revealed that the 2014 England tour was the lowest point of his career. After waking up, he had thoughts of feeling and getting out in the series. The England series was a disaster for him as his highest score in that series was 39 only. With runs of 1, 8, 25, 0, 39, 28, 0,7, 6, and 20 in the five tests of the England Tour 2014, he averaged 13.50 in the series.

But in the end, he made a huge comeback as always. In the India tour of Australia, he smashed 2 centuries in both the innings of the 1st match and another century in the third match. This entire tour is probably one of his most memorable performances. He kept faith in himself and played immensely well and made this tour one of the most remarkable one. Also, he became the captain of the team after MS Dhoni's retirement. Overall 2014 was a good year for him as he could make a comeback and aggregated a total of 847 runs in with an average of 44.58 and a strike rate of 60.54.

2015:

Virat started his 2015 Test journey with a bang and made a century in the 1st innings of 2015's 1st Test match. In Sydney Cricket Ground, he hit 147 runs against Australia. With an average of 42.67 and a strike rate of 54.05, he aggregated 640 runs.

He hit 2 half-centuries and 2 centuries in the 9 test matches of 2015. His 2nd century was against Sri Lanka hosted in Galle International Stadium. He made 103 in the 1st test match against Si Lanka.

Read also: Top 5 Most runs at Number 3 in ODIs: Kohli Crosses 10000 runs at number 3

2016:

The King of Cricket started 2016 as a king with a double century in the 1st test match. With his highest average of 75.94, 2016 was a year with 3 double centuries, 1 century, and 2 half-centuries.

In the first test match of the year against the West Indies, Kohli hit his 1st double century of 200. His next double century of 211 was against New Zealand in the Holkar Cricket Stadium. And finally, the 3rd double ton of 235 was against England in the Wankhede stadium.

2016 is hands-off one of his most successful years across all formats. With double tons of 200, 211, and 235, he aggregated 1215 runs (his then highest total) with a strike rate of 60.42.

2017:

2017 continued to be a great year like 2016 for the captain. This year witnessed 3 double centuries, 2 centuries, and 2 half-centuries in 16 innings. Firstly he began the first test of 2015 with his first double century at the Rajiv Gandhi International stadium. The match was against Australia where the captain thrashed the bowlers to score 204 runs.

Secondly, he scored 2 centuries in the first 4 matches against Sri Lanka. Lastly, he ended the series in the best possible way with 2 double tons in the last 2 matches of the same series against Sri Lanka.

These were the years where Kohli proved his skills, caliber, and worth each and every time possible.

2018:

In 2018 the Indian captain scored his highest total in Tests in a single year. With an average of 55.08, he aggregated 1322 runs in 13 matches. His total runs include 5 centuries and 5 half-centuries as well. The cricket fans witnessed some of his most brilliant knocks in which year.

His first century of the year was against South Africa in the second match hosted in the SuperSport Park.

After a horrid tour of England in 2014, this was the first time he was facing England in the land of England. He registered centuries in the top test-playing countries except for England. He changed it by scoring 149 runs in Birmingham in the first innings of the 1st test match. India lost the first 2 test matches of this tour, and the captain himself turned the 3rd match in the visitor's favor by scoring 97 in the first innings and 103 runs in the second innings to score a total of 521 runs in the scoreboard. Though the team lost the series 1-4, the captain's 593 runs in 10 innings in the tour established him as one of the greatest legends of the sport.

The next country India faced was the West Indies where the captain once again scored a century and made 139 runs in the first innings of the first test.

Lastly in the India tour of Australia, he scored 123 runs in the Perth stadium. This series is memorable in so many ways as it was the first time India won at a series down under.

Read also: Every Virat Kohli Tattoo- The reason behind them and their significance

2019:

The Indian team faced Australia and West Indies first and then moved on to witness some incredible knocks of the captain.

South Africa's 2019 tour of India is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable achievements of the captain's career. He registered his highest test score in this series hosted in the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium.

In the 2nd test match, Kohli thrashed the bowlers and smashed 254*; his highest test score. Apart from his triumphant achievement, the other reason behind an incredible series is the 3-0 win.

After a successful series, the Indian team moved on with their third test series against Bangladesh. In the 2nd match of the series, the captain once again smashed a century and made 136 runs. This is very disappointing to hear that it was his last century yet.

2020:

The entire world came to a pause after the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus in 2020. The pandemic put a stop to everything in the world. Therefore the Indian team could play only 3 test matches. The first two test matches were before the outbreak of covid-19 against New Zealand and the last match of 2020 was against Australia.

2020 was a hard year for Kohli in the sport. In 3 matches, he scored only 1 half-century and his highest score was 74. He scored a total of 116 runs with an average of 19.33 and a strike rate of 40.99. This average is his career's least of all time.

2021:

2021 is not going great for the captain as it has been 459 days since he scored an international century. In 8 matches so far, he managed to hit only 2 half-centuries. Both the half-centuries were against England hosted in India.

The Indian fans are anticipating a path-breaking performance from the captain for very long. None of us literally can wait anymore to see the captain roaring with his bat once again.

Asia Cup 2025 will be held in UAE from 9 to 28 September. Due to T20 World Cup 2026, this time Asia Cup will also be organized in T20 format. India is being seen as the biggest contender in the Asia Cup this time.

Over the years, there have been many batters who have made a significant impact for their sides in the Asia Cup and are even featured in the list of highest run scorer in Asia Cup history. Players like Sachin Tendulkar, Sanath Jayasuriya, Virat Kohli and many more are certified legends for their sides, and they fully deserve the status after their brilliant performances over the years.

With the Asia Cup 2025 right around the corner, let's have a look at the highest run scorer in Asia Cup history.

Also Read: Records T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav can break in Asia Cup 2025

Highest Run Scorer in Asia Cup History | ODI Format

1. Sanath Jayasuriya

Sri Lanka's great Sanath Jayasuriya holds the record for most runs in the history of the Asia Cup in ODI format. He leads the table with 1220 runs in 25 matches, including 6 centuries and 3 fifties. Jayasuriya played from the 1990 edition till the 2018 edition and also has the most number of centuries (6) in Asia Cup history.

2. Kumar Sangakkara

Kumar Sangakkara is second on the list of most runs scored in the Asia Cup. He has been one of Sri Lanka's greatest batters and a consistent run-scorer. Sangakkara played in 5 editions from 2004 to 2014 and scored 1075 runs in 24 games, including 4 hundreds and 8 half-centuries. 

3. Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar, the God of Cricket, is the third-highest run scorer in Asia Cup history. He played in Asia Cup from 1990 to 2012 and is India's highest run-getter in the Asia Cup. Sachin has scored 971 runs in 23 matches at an average of 51.10, with 2 centuries and 7 fifties.  

4. Rohit Sharma

India's current ODI captain Rohit Sharma is the Asia Cup's most runs scorer among all the active players. He played from 2008 to 2023 and scored 939 runs in 28 matches, averaging 46.95. He helped India win the Asia Cup in 2018 and 2023 and remains one of the most successful captains in the history of the nation.

5. Mushfiqur Rahim

Mushfiqur Rahim is the only Bangladesh player in the top 10 batters with the most runs in Asia Cup history. He has played in all the Asia Cups from 2008 to 2023 and scored 830 runs in 25 matches at an impressive average of 36.08 and a strike rate of 83.08. His highest score of 144 was against Sri Lanka in 2018. 

Also Read: Asia Cup 2025 date announced; BCCI yet to confirm participation against Pakistan

Highest Run Scorer in Asia Cup History | T20 Format

1. Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli is at the top of the list of players with the most runs in Asia Cup T20 history. He played 10 matches (9 innings) and scored 429 runs at an impressive average of 85.8 and a strike rate of 132, with three fifties and a century to his name. Kohli has retired from T20Is now and will not feature in the upcoming Asia Cup.

2. Mohammad Rizwan

Mohammad Rizwan is the next in this list and has scored 281 runs so far in six matches in the T20 format of the Asia Cup. He has scored runs at an average of 56.2 and a strike rate of 117.57 with three fifties to his name. Rizwan is not a part of Pakistan's T20I squad and it remains to be seen if he gets picked for the Asia Cup.

3. Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma, like Virat Kohli, has also retired from the shortest format of the game. However, he is third in the list of players with the most runs in the Asia Cup T20. He scored 271 runs in nine innings at an average of 30.11 and a strike rate of 141.14 with two fifties to his credit.

4. Babar Hayat

Babar Hayat of Hong Kong is one of the surprise entries in this list. He has played five matches so far and scored 235 runs in the Asia Cup T20 at an average of 47 and is one of the only two centurions in the tournament. His best score of 122 is also the joint-highest individual score in the Asia Cup.

5. Ibrahim Zadran

Ibrahim Zadran of Afghanistan has also made it to this list. He mustered 196 runs in just five matches at an average of 65.33 and a strike rate of 104.25 with a half-century to his name. Zadran has a chance to climb up the list in the upcoming edition of the Asia Cup.

Indian ODI team captain Rohit Sharma has reached the second position in the men's ICC ODI rankings. In the new rankings released by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday, the Hitman jumped one place and reached the second position. With this, he left behind Pakistan's star batsman Babar Azam. 

Also Read: Most Ducks by an Indian in Tests

Rohit last played in March

Rohit, who has already retired from Tests and T20I, last played an ODI in March during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand, which India won.

Rohit has scored 180 runs in the ICC Champions Trophy in five matches, boasting a highest strike rate of 100.00 among the Indian batters in the tournament. Rohit has 756 rating points in the latest rankings.

Babar failed to perform against West Indies

On the other hand, Babar could not show anything special in the recent ODI series against West Indies, which the Men in Green lost 1-2 in Trinidad. As a result, he slipped to the third position.

With Babar managing just 56 runs against West Indies in three ODIs, the International Cricket Council (ICC) took a note of his strike rate to drop him to third. He managed a strike rate of just 62.22 against West Indies.

Gill at No. 1

There has been no change in Shubman Gill's reign in the latest ICC ODI rankings for batters. He is in first place with 784 rating points. Apart from Gill and Rohit, the third Indian in the top five is Virat Kohli, who is in fourth place. He has 736 rating points.

India continues to dominate the ODI charts, with five players in the top 15, including Shreyas Iyer (8th) and KL Rahul (15th).

Also Read: Shreyas Iyer's best knocks in Tests

India to play next ODI series against Australia

It is worth mentioning that the Indian team will tour Australia in October. During this time a three-match ODI series will be played between the two.

Rohit announced after Champions Trophy 2025 that he does not intend to retire from ODI cricket, even sharing a moment with Kohli joking about it during the celebrations.

However, despite having eyes on the 2027 Cricket World Cup, Rohit and Kohli's spots are reportedly not a guarantee in the ODI setup. In fact, as per reports in recent days, the veteran duo will also have to turn up in domestic cricket as a metric for form and fitness.

On the other hand, whether Rohit will continue to be captain till the World Cup is also a topic of debate. With 25-year-old Shubman Gill impressing in England, Rohit isn't an automatic captaincy selection anymore. However, the ODI rankings continue to reflect both Rohit and Kohli's continued prowess in the 50-over format.

The battle of supremacy in Test centuries has come a long way in cricket history. Some early established test records, defined by batting greatness, are nearly impossible to imagine being surpassed. The record for most test centuries in cricket history is one of them.

This prestigious list consists of legendary batters around the globe who have shaped the golden era of test cricket with their run-scoring consistency and centuries.

Discover the complete list of players with the most test centuries in cricket history and embrace their legacies.

Most Test Centuries in Cricket History

1. Sachin Tendulkar (IND) | 51 centuries

The 'Little Master' Sachin Tendulkar stands right at the top with 51 test centuries in his career, spanning from 1989 to 2013. His career was a saga of brilliance against every bowling attack in every condition.

From being the youngest Indian to score a Test century at the age of 17 years and 109 days in 1990, to ending up having the most test centuries in cricket history, Tendulkar has achieved it all!

He has consistently scored tons, becoming the first and only player to ever cross the fifty-mark in test centuries. These numbers let us believe that maybe some records can never be broken.

Read Also: Youngest Indian cricketers to score an international century

2. Jacques Kallis (SA) | 45 centuries

The legendary all-rounder, Jacques Kallis, graced the longest format from 1995 to 2013, amassing 45 test centuries. He is the only South African to feature at the top of this list and to have scored more than 30 test centuries.

Apart from personal milestones, his hundreds were often foundational blocks for South Africa's innings in the game. He provided the key balance the team needed, contributing to secure a win or draw.

3. Ricky Ponting (AUS) | 41 centuries

Ricky Ponting, the former Australian captain, led Australia through a golden era, scoring 41 centuries between 1995 to 2012. Known for his aggressive yet classy style, he thrived especially in big matches, putting the opposition under pressure.

One of the memorable moments in his century collection is the twin centuries during his 100th test match against South Africa in Sydney. This came in 2006, where Ponting scored back-to-back 120 and 142* in two innings.

He is the 3rd batter to go 40+ in the list of most test centuries in cricket history.

Read Also: Most Test Runs in Cricket History (Men's)

4. Joe Root (ENG) | 39 centuries

England's highest scorer in tests, Joe Root, has scored 39 test centuries so far in his career. He has scored the most hundreds for his nation and is also the batter with the most test tons in WTC history.

He reached his 39th test century against India at the Oval, during the 5th test of their Anderson-Tendulkar series. Root is currently the World's No. 1 in the ICC Test batter rankings, and the only player in the top 5 of this list who has not yet retired.

Root's fiery form is a clear indication of him soaring higher in all charts of test cricket records, setting the standards for generations to come.

Read Also: Joe Root vs Sachin Tendulkar – Test Stats Compared: Can Root break Sachin's record

5. Kumar Sangakkara (SL) | 38 centuries

The Sri Lankan batting maestro, Kumar Sangakkara, is a perfect example of elegance and power blended together. His ability to score big placed him in the top 5 of most test centuries in cricket history.

Sangakkara scored 38 test centuries from 2000 to 2015. One of his defining moments in his career was his 287 runs against South Africa in 2006. This knock was a part of the record-breaking partnership of 624 runs with his teammate, Mahela Jayawardene.

Most Test Centuries in Cricket History (TOP 20)

3️⃣8️⃣

Joe Root scores his 38th test ton, equalling Kumar Sangakkara's record. 💯

He now has the 4th most centuries in test cricket history.

His 12 test tons against India is also a record! #JoeRoot #ENGvsIND #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/zqdcfUunfL

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) July 25, 2025

Here's the tabular breakdown of the Top 20 players having the most test centuries in cricket history, featuring 6 players from Australia, 4 from India, and several other cricketing nations.

Note: Article was first written by Snighda Halder on 26th July, 2025 and later got updated by the editorial team.

Since the beginning, India has been known for producing great batsmen. From great Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, and Rahul Dravid to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, they have all been among the best batsmen of their respective eras. Though all of these batters have set multiple records, only a few could score over 600 test runs in a series.

In this article, we present you with the list of players with the most runs for India in a test series.

Most Runs for India in a Test Series

#1. Suni Gavaskar | 774 in 1970-71 vs West Indies

In India's tour of the West Indies in 1970-71, Sunil Gavaskar made his debut and became the first Indian batter to score 700 or more runs in a test series. In the five-match test series against West Indies, Gavaskar scored 774 runs with an average of 154.80.

The highlight of the series was his 124 and a brilliant 220 in the final test. During that historic series, Gavaskar also struck four centuries and three half-centuries in eight innings, which helped India win the five-match test series by 1-0.

Read Also | Youngest Cricketers to lead India in Tests

#2. Sunil Gavaskar | 732 in 1978-79 vs West Indies

Sunil Gavaskar is the only Indian batter to have scored over 700 runs in a test series, that too for two times in his career. During the six-match test series against West Indies at home in 1978-79, Gavaskar slammed a total of 732 runs in nine innings with an unbelievable average of 91.50. This is also a record for an Indian captain in a test series.

The little master slammed four centuries and one half-century with a best of 205 and helped India win that six-match series by 1-0.

Read Also | Indian Captains to record two hundreds in a Test match

#3 Shubman Gill | 722* in 2025 vs England

In the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar series 2025, the current Indian test captain has scored 722 runs in 4 test matches so far. In his first test series as a captain, Shubman Gill first broke the record for the highest test score by an Indian captain and then went on to equal the record for most test centuries in a series (4). 

Gill is currently the third batter in test history to score 4 test centuries as a captain in a single series, alongside Don Bradman and Sunil Gavaskar. Till now, Gill has scored 722 runs at an average of 90.25 and has converted every fifty into a ton. He will get two more innings to break Sunil Gavaskar's record.

He is now the third on the list of players with the most runs for India in a test series.

Read Also | Every record Shubman Gill broke during the ENG vs IND, 2nd test at Edgbaston

#4 Yashasvi Jaiswal | 712 in 2024 vs England

Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal ended up as the leading run-scorer of the recently concluded IND vs ENG 2024 test series with 712 runs in five matches. He struck two double hundreds and three fifties in the test series.

The 22-year-old became the second batter after legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar to score 700 or more runs in a test series.

Read Also | Indian Captains to Score Double Tons in Test Cricket: Shubman Gill joins an elite list

#5 Virat Kohli | 692 in 2014-15 vs Australia

King Kohli has smashed more than 1500 test runs against the mighty Aussies. However, his career-best performance against the Australian side came in the four-match test series in 2014-15 on Australian soil. The right-handed batter fought alone and ended the series with 692 runs in four matches at an average of 86.50, including four centuries and one half-century.

His best score was 169 in that series. Despite his brilliant performance, India lost the series 2-0.

Read Also | Most successful Test captains from India

#6 Virat Kohli | 655 in 2016 vs England

During the England vs India 2016/17 test series, Virat Kohli brought out his best against the English side. During the five-match series, the former Indian skipper hammered 655 runs, including two centuries and two half-centuries, with the highest score of 235 with a huge average of 109.16 in eight innings.

Kohli's outstanding performance helped India win the five-match series 4-0.

Note: The article was first written by Abishek Goswami and then was updated by Koushik Biswas.

The Nation England has produced some extraordinary Batsmen in Cricket. They have impressed Cricket fans from all over the world with their achievements and glory. The test is considered the Best Format in Cricket. England has & had some players who are the best among many in the world of Test Cricket. Sir Jack Hobbs is considered the Best Test Batsman for England in Tests. He has scored 5410 runs in just 102 innings with 15 centuries and 28 half-centuries.

In recent times of greats, Joe Root has proven himself one of the greatest if not the greatest for England in Test Format as he has every right due to his achievements. Now, Let's give a look at the list of the Top 5 Batsmen with the most test centuries for England.

Read Also: Most International Hundreds among Active Players

Top 5 Batsmen with the Most Test Centuries for England:

1. Joe Root | 38 Centuries

England batter Joe Root has written his name in the history books for England in Test Format by bringing up his 38th Test hundred on the third day of the fourth Test between England and India in Manchester. With this century, Root also climbed to second on the all time list of Test run-scorers. Moreover, he also overtook Graham Gooch as the highest run-scorer at Lord's in international cricket. 

Root made his debut in 2012 against team India and since then he has played 157* test matches. He has scored 13,409 runs with an average of 51.17.

2. Alastair Cook | 33 Centuries

Alastair Cook was one of the greats in Test Cricket of his generation. He made his debut against India in 2006 for the national team in Test Cricket. Cook played 161 Test matches in which he batted 291 innings. He scored 12,472 runs with an average of 45.35. His highest score was 294 and he made 33 centuries and 57 half-centuries for his team. Cook played his last Test Match against India in 2018.

3. Kevin Pietersen | 23 Centuries

Kevin Pietersen has proved himself across every format for England. He made his Test debut in 2005 against the Australian side at Lords. Pietersen played 104 test matches, in which he scored 8181 runs with an average of 47.29. He played his last test match against Australia in 2014. Kevin Pietersen is third on the list with 23 Centuries.

4. Wally Hammond | 22 Centuries

The judgment of cricket history is that the greatest batsmen the game has known are - WG Grace, Jack Hobbs, Walter Hammond, and Don Bradman. Others may come close indeed to those four but do not quite take place with them. Hammond made his test debut against South Africa in 1927. He played 85 test matches and scored 7249 runs with an average of 58.45. He is 4th on the list with 22 test centuries. The Great Walter Hammond played his last Test match against New Zealand in 1947.

5. Colin Cowdrey | 22 Centuries

Colin Cowdrey mostly known as Michael Cowdrey played Cricket for 21 years, One of the most durable batsmen in the history of Test Cricket. Cowdrey made his test debut in 1954 against the Aussies and played 114 matches, scoring 7624 runs with an average of 44.06. He is 5th on the list with the same no as Wally Hammond, 22 centuries. Michael Cowdrey played his last test match in 1975 against the Australian side.

Top 10 Players with the Most Centuries in Test Cricket for England: