Sachin Tendulkar vs Rahul Dravid: who was the better batsman in Test Cricket? There is always the debate over the comparison of the two greatest players in Indian Cricket History. If Sachin Tendulkar has more runs than Rahul Dravid has the unmatched impact which has taken the bail of team India from nowhere and put the team back into the driver's seat.
Both have played in the same era and decimated every bowling pair who had stood their way. Either it was home conditions or the overseas tours both have scored runs.
In the article, SportzPoint will take a look at the numbers of these two Indian legends in different conditions to know about the batting strengths of these two players.
If we look at the career runs of these two players it is difficult to say who is better than the other. Sachin Tendulkar has played more tests than Rahul Dravid and has a slightly better average compared to Rahul Dravid.
If we assume the scenario that Rahul Dravid had played an equal number of tests to Sachin Tendulkar he could've been equal or gone ahead of Sachin Tendulkar's numbers easily in terms of runs and average.
Even the centuries and half-centuries could've been almost equal or more Rahul Dravid had played an equal number of tests. In this battle of career runs, it's tough to say who is better but still, Rahul Dravid with the numbers in lesser games to Sachin Tendulkar is better.
It's not a tough task for a player to score runs in their own territory against any bowling pairs. Again looking at the numbers of two players it's tough to say who is the better player in the home conditions.
Sachin Tendulkar has a slightly better average than Dravid in more innings he has played and even the difference between centuries and half-centuries is not big from Rahul Dravid.
Although it's tough to call innings margin is big of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid would easily go ahead in terms of runs, average, centuries, and half-centuries in the equal number of innings Sachin Tendulkar had played.
Probably the other parameter to know about the batting strengths of any batsman. Performing in overseas conditions is completely different from the home conditions for the player as he has not played first-class cricket in those conditions. Sachin Tendulkar had a slightly better average than Rahul Dravid in overseas conditions.
But Rahul Dravid had an equal number of half-centuries compared to Sachin Tendulkar in fewer innings. It's tough to say who is better in the overseas conditions. In the hypothetical situation, Rahul Dravid had played an equal number of innings he had a better average or runs too.
Australia – 32 Innings 1166 Runs 41.64 average 1 century
South Africa – 22 Innings 624 Runs 29.71 average 1 century
New Zealand – 14 Innings 766 Runs 63.83 average 2 centuries
England – 23 Innings 1376 Runs 68.80 average 6 centuries
West Indies – 28 Innings 1511 Runs 65.70 average 3 centuries
Out of five, Rahul Dravid had a better average against West Indies, England, and New Zealand than Sachin Tendulkar. Maybe the career runs of Sachin Tendulkar are better than Dravid but his performance against teams like West Indies, England, and New Zealand is not good.
Although, Sachin had a good record against teams like Australia and South Africa where Rahul Dravid was having tough times. But in terms of hundreds came in the victory cause Rahul Dravid is ahead of Sachin Tendulkar along with the winning percentage of those hundreds.
In conclusion, maybe Sachin Tendulkar has more runs but the impact of Rahul Dravid either in the victories or scoring runs against quality teams is better and is very ahead of Sachin Tendulkar.
Pataudi Trophy renamed as Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy ahead of India vs England test series
A major shift in cricketing tradition took place as the Pataudi Trophy renamed as Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy ahead of India vs England test series. Get full updates here.
One of Test cricket's most esteemed rivalries, the Pataudi Trophy, contested between India and England, has been officially renamed the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy. This major decision was taken by ECB and BCCI, announced and confirmed ahead of the upcoming highly anticipated series, set to begin on June 20, 2025.
Explore why was Pataudi Trophy renamed as Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy ahead of India vs England test series below:
Honouring Legends: Why Tendulkar and Anderson?
James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar in one frame. Image | Instagram
The renaming of Pataudi Trophy to the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy is a move to honor and celebrate two legendary figures of test cricket of the contemporary era.
The 'God' of cricket, Sachin Tendulkar, is widely regarded as the greatest batsman of all time, holds an unmatched array of records, including most runs and centuries in tests. Similarly, James Anderson stands as most successful fast bowler in the history of Tests. His career was nothing short of extraordinary skills, achivements, and consistent excellence.
The renaming therefore celebrates not just individual brilliance of these legends from India and England, but also earned them a rightful place at the forefront of this historic rivalry's new identity!
End of an Era: The Pataudi Legacy
Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi representing India in tests. Image | ESPNcricinfo
The Pataudi Trophy, which has represented the Test series between India and England for decades, now passes onto history. Named in the honor of former Indian captains, Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi and his son Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, it symbolised a rich connection between Indian and English cricket.
It was first awarded in 2007 and India won it in the English soil.
The newly named Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy is set for its official unveiling by both the legends. Tendulkar and Anderson will unveil the trophy at Lord's, during the WTC (2023-25) Final, which commences on June 11, 2025.
India and England will kick-off the new WTC Cycle by playing a five-Test series starting at Headingley (Leeds) from June 20.
ENG vs IND: England announce squad for the first Test against India
England have named a 14-member squad for the first Test of ENG vs IND starting 20 June at Headingley, Leeds, with experienced pacer Chris Woakes making a return to red-ball cricket.
The England and Wales Cricket Board on Thursday announced a 14-member squad for the first Test of the five-match series against India. The ENG vs IND five-match Test series is starting from June 20. The first match will be played at Headingley on June 20, 2025.
Fast bowling all-rounder Jamie Overton has returned. He has been included in the team in place of injured Gus Atkinson. Jamie has returned after the match against New Zealand in June 2022.
Atkinson was unavailable for selection due to a right hamstring injury suffered during the Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge.
Carse, Woakes included in the squad
Fast bowlers Brydon Carse, Jacob Bethell and Chris Woakes have also been named in the squad, who last played during the New Zealand Test tour in December. The India A side are already in the United Kingdom, playing warm-up games against England Lions.
Woakes, known for his effectiveness in home conditions, especially at Lord’s, last featured prominently in 2018 against India, where he claimed four wickets and smashed an unbeaten 137.
Young spinner Shoaib Bashir, who starred with nine wickets against Zimbabwe, retains his spot as the lone specialist spinner. IPL winner Jacob Bethell and seamer Sam Cook, both of whom impressed recently, have also earned call-ups.
Ben Stokes to lead the team
England will field a significantly altered team compared to the last time they faced India in early 2024. James Anderson has since retired, while Jonny Bairstow, Ben Foakes and Ollie Robinson are the other notable absentees from the squad.
Ben Stokes, who returned from a hamstring injury in that Zimbabwe Test, will lead England against India in a five-match series that marks the start of both teams’ campaigns in the new ICC World Test Championship cycle.
23-27 July 2025 - Fourth Test, Emirates Old Trafford
31 July-4 August 2025 - Fifth Test, Kia Oval
ENG vs IND | England full squad
Ben Stokes (c), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes.
Sai Sudharsan won the Orange Cap after a stellar season for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025. So, let's look at all the Orange Cap winners in IPL since 2008.
The player who scores the most runs in a single season of the IPL wins the Orange Cap award. This award has been given to the highest run-scorers since the first season of the Indian Premier League (2008). Cricketers must consistently play some brilliant innings and deliver match-winning performances in a season to win the Orange Cap. So, let's look at all the Orange Cap winners in IPL since 2008.
Shaun Marsh (616 runs in 11 matches in 2008) was the first player to win the award.
The record for most runs in a single IPL season is held by Virat Kohli (973 runs in the 2016 edition).
David Warner has the record of winning the Orange Cap the most number of times (3).
Rules for Orange Cap:
The Orange Cap is awarded to the leading run-scorer of the IPL season.
The batsman who holds the Orange Cap during the season is allowed to wear it while in the field during the games, as long as he holds the top-scorer spot in the tournament.
In a season where two or more batsmen are tied on runs, the batsman with a better strike rate is awarded the Orange Cap.
In a season where an opposition batsman overtakes the tally of the current holder of the Orange Cap, the previous holder is allowed to wear the Cap until the end of that particular innings in which another batsman overtakes him.
Orange Cap winners list in IPL since 2008
2008 - Shaun Marsh
Shaun Marsh won the Orange Cap in the inaugural IPL season | Image: X
Shaun Marsh from Punjab Kings is the Orange Cap winner of the inaugural edition of the IPL. The Australian batsman started the IPL journey with a bang. He scored 616 runs in only 11 matches with an average of 68.4 and a strike rate of 139.68. His 616 runs include 1 century and 5 half-centuries.
2009 - Matthew Hayden
Matthew Hayden was the top run-scorer in the 2009 season | Image: X
The next Orange Cap winner is Matthew Hayden. Even after his international retirement from the Australian Cricket team in early 2009, he proved his worth in that season. He showed a spectacular performance and scored a total of 572 runs in 12 matches. In the 2nd edition of IPL, he played for Chennai Super Kings and scored 5 half-centuries with an average of 52 and a strike rate of 144.81.
2010 - Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar won the Orange Cap in the 2010 season | Image: IPL
The God of cricket, Sachin Tendulkar has also enlisted his name in this list of Orange Cap winners. In the 2010 IPL, the then captain of Mumbai Indians aggregated 618 runs including 5 half-centuries in 15 matches. He represented his team in the best way possible and took the team to the final as well but unfortunately, MI finished their journey as runners-up after losing against CSK in the finals. In the 3rd edition of IPL, he played in 15 matches with an average of 47.53 and a strike rate of 132.61
2011 - Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle won the 2011 Orange Cap | Image: Getty
What is a list of top T20 scorers without Chris Gayle? It is incomplete indeed. Chris Gayle is undoubtedly one of the best players in the T20 format and one of the greatest hitters in all the formats of cricket. In the 2011 IPL, he scored a massive 608 runs in only 12 matches. One of his most distinguished factors is his strike rate. He played with a strike rate of 183.13 which is the highest of any Orange Cap winners in the tournament. Also, his total runs include 2 centuries and 3 half-centuries with an average of 67.55.
2012 - Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle was the top run-scorer in the 2012 season | Image: Getty
In the very next year, Chris Gayle again created several storms on the field and became the top run-scorer in the IPL 2012 season. No one could ever dare to come in the way of his extreme rise in the T20 format. In the 4th edition of IPL, the Jamaican cricketer scored a massive 733 runs including 1 century and 7 half-centuries in 15 matches. He played with an average of 61.08 and a strike rate of 160.74.
Michael Hussey won the Orange Cap in the 2013 season | Image: Getty
Michael Hussey, popularly known as Mr cricket has also made his name into this list with 733 runs in 17 matches. The Orange Cap winner of the 2013 IPL smashed 6 half-centuries with an average of 52.5 and a strike rate of 129.5. He made a huge contribution to CSK's entry into the finals. Unfortunately, MI won the title of the season.
2014 - Robin Uthappa
Robin Uthappa was the top run-scorer in the 2014 season | Image: X
One of the impactful players of IPL 2014 was Robin Uthappa. He played a key role in taking Kolkata Knight Riders into the finals and also winning their second title. Uthappa played in 16 matches and scored 660 runs including 5 half-centuries with an average of 44 and a strike rate of 137.78.
2015 - David Warner
David Warner won the Orange Cap in the 2015 season | Image: X
David Warner of Sunrisers Hyderabad was the Orange Cap winner of IPL 2015. The team played their debut match in 2013 and Warner made 2015 a good season for the team and the fans by scoring 562 runs in 14 matches. His total runs also include 7 half-centuries with an average of 43.23 and a strike rate of 156.54
2016 - Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli won the Orange Cap in the 2016 season | Image: Getty
A list of achievements by batsmen is incomplete without the King of Cricket Virat Kohli. The captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore is the highest run-scorer in a single edition of IPL. In 2016 IPL he smashed 4 centuries and 7 half-centuries to aggregate a total of 973 runs in 16 matches. In that season, he played with an average of 81.08 and a strike rate of 152.03. The 2016 IPL has been a good year for the team as they made it to the finals but unfortunately could not win the title.
2017 - David Warner
David Warner was the top run-scorer in the 2017 IPL season | Image: SRH/X
Once again David Warner had a spectacular season in the marquee T20 league and became the Orange Cap winner of IPL 2017. The captain of the defending winning team smashed 641 runs including 1 century and 4 half-centuries in 14 matches. He played with an average of 58.27 and a strike rate of 141.81.
Kane Williamson was the 2018 top run-scorer in the IPL | Image: Getty
IPL 2018 changed the T20 career of the New Zealand captain Kane Williamson. Before the season, he was not that appreciated as an impactful T20 player. But he utilized the opportunity and gave his best and proved his worth to everyone as a great batsman in all three formats. In 17 matches, he scored 735 runs including 8 half-centuries with an average of 52.5 and a strike rate of 142.44. The captain represented the team and took it to the final as well as won the Orange Cap.
2019 - David Warner
David Warner was the top run-scorer in the 2019 IPL season | Image: Getty
The only cricketer to win the Orange Cap 3 times in IPL history is none other than David Warner. He achieved this milestone in IPL 2019 by scoring 692 runs in 12 matches. He smashed 1 century and 8 half-centuries to score a total of 692 runs with an average of 69.2 and a strike rate of 143.86. His impactful performances along with his opening partner Jonny Bairstow took the team to the playoffs in IPL 2019 but unfortunately, they did not win the title.
2020 - KL Rahul
Kl Rahul was the top run-scorer in the 2020 IPL season | Image: iplt20.com
The skipper of Punjab Kings, Kl Rahul won the 2019 Orange Cap. He and his teammates were unable to end the journey on a good note but the captain made sure to glorify the team's name and became the highest run-scorer of the season. In 14 matches he scored 670 runs with an average of 55.83 and a strike rate of 129.34. His whopping 670 runs also include 1 century and 5 half-centuries.
2021 - Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad won the Orange Cap in the 2021 season | Image: BCCI
Chennai Super Kings's present skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad won the IPL 2021 orange cao for his sensational batting. He scored 635 runs in 16 innings at an average of 45.35. He was one of the few reasons CSK won their fourth IPL title in 2021. Gaikwad struck 4 half-centuries and one century that season with a best score of 101 not out.
2022 - Jos Buttler
Jos Buttler was the top run-scorer in the 2022 season | Image: BCCI
Jos Buttler was just unbelievable in the IPL 2022 season. Rajasthan didn't win the title but Buttler won hearts. He struck 863 runs in 17 innings at an average of 57.53 with 4 centuries and as many as half-centuries. He also became the second batter after Virat Kohli to score 4 centuries in a single IPL season. Buttler also struck a whooping 45 sixes that season, the fourth highest by a player in a season of the Indian cash-rich league.
2023 - Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill won the Orange Cap in the 2023 season | Image: iplt20.com
Gujarat Titans' present captain Shubman Gill had a season to remember in IPL 2023. He broke several records and won the prestigious Orange Cap. Gill finished as the leading run-scorer, amassing 890 runs in only 17 matches. He played big knocks in pivotal moments in the tournament to guide his side to back-to-back IPL finals. However, MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings clinched their fifth IPL title by defeating GT in the final. Gill’s 890 runs came at an impressive average of 59.33 and a strike rate of 157.80 while scoring three centuries and four fifties.
2024 - Virat Kohli
The 2024 was a brilliant season for Virat Kohli with the bat and he finished at the top of the highest run-getter charts in the Indian Premier League. He couldn't take RCB to the Final but did his part with the bat. RCB qualified for the playoffs after making a stupendous comeback, winning all their last six group-stage matches and lots of credit goes to Kohli. But, they got knocked out of the tournament after losing to Rajasthan in the Eliminator. Virat scored 741 runs at a spectacular average of 61.75 and a great strike rate of 154.69 which includes five half-centuries and one century. He was by far the best batsman of the 2024 season and won his second-ever orange cap in the history of the competition.
2025 - Sai Sudharsan
Sai Sudharsan won the Orange Cap after a stellar season for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025. It was the form of their top three that powered GT’s run to the playoffs this season and Sudharsan led the way in a lineup that included his captain Shubman Gill and an all-time T20 great in Jos Buttler. Sudharsan finished the season with 759 runs in 15 matches at an average of 54.21 and maintained a strike rate of 156.17. He scored six half-centuries and one century.
Journey through Indian Test cricket history to find out the 5 youngest cricketers to lead India in Tests. Learn about the early leadership and how the recently appointed test captain, Shubman Gill, joins this elite group.
In Test cricket, captaincy is often associated with experience and seasoned wisdom, which matters in the long format. However, young talents step up early and prove how they are worthy of leadership.
With Shubman Gill stepping up as the new test captain for India, let's take a moment to celebrate the youngest cricketers to lead India in tests.
Here we bring you the five youngest cricket to ever represent India in tests as a captain.
5. Shubman Gill (25 years 285 days) | 2025
Shubman Gill representing India in tests. Image | BBC
The newest nameto join this list of young Indian test captains is Shubman Gill. At the age of 25 years and 285 days, Gill became the 37th test captain of India, and is set to lead in the longest format of the game.
The Indian team will play under Gill's captaincy with the commencement of five-match test series against England on June 20, 2025. This was a major change in the test squad after the former captain, Rohit Sharma, along with Virat Kohli, announced retirement from tests.
Gill made his test debut against Australia in December 2020, and scored 1893 runs, with 5 centuries and 7 fifties so far. With this new turnaround in his career, he became the 5th youngest cricketer to lead India in tests.
Ravi Shastri representing India in tests. Image | ESPNcricinfo
A prominent all-rounder and later a successful coach for the Indian team, Ravi Shastri also briefly held the reins of Test captaincy. He took on the role at the age of 25 years and 229 days, when he led India against West Indies on January 11, 1988.
His captaincy tenure was limited to a single match, but it was a memorable one, as India secured a victory by 255 runs. Shastri scored 3830 runs and took 151 wickets in his test career, that spanned from 1981 to 1992.
3. Kapil Dev (24 years 48 days) | 1983
Kapil Dev representing India in tests. Image | NDTV
The legendary all-rounder, Kapil Dev stepped into test captaincy for India at the age of 24 years and 48 days. His first match as a captain was against West Indies on February 23, 1983.
Dev captained India in 34 matches and proved how he was worthy of the position with true leadership skills at such young age. He took 434 wickets and scored 5248 runs in his test career (1978-1994).
He is still the youngest captain to win the World Cup for any team, and comes third in the list for youngest cricketers to lead India in tests.
Sachin Tendulkar representing India in tests. Image | NDTV
One of the greatest batsmen of all time, Sachin Tendulkar also had his tenure as the test captain of India at the age of 23 years and 169 days. He first took on the captaincy to lead India in a match against Australia, in 1996.
Tendulkar's captaincy journey had two phases, with him leading in 25 matches. He had an incredible test career with 15921 runs in 200 matches, which is still the highest by any batter in the world!
1. Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi (21 years 77 days) | 1962
Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi representing India in tests. Image | Instagram
Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi remains India's youngest ever test captain, having taken the role at the age of just 21 years and 77 days! He was famously known as 'Tiger' Pataudi in the field of cricket.
He captained India in 40 matches out of his 46-match test career. Despite losing his right eye in an accident early in his career, he continued to play and lead with brilliant skills and courage.
Pataudi scored 2793 runs, smashing 6 centuries and 16 half-centuries in his test career (1961-1975).
ENG-A vs IND-A: Karun Nair makes solid return to India set up; scores unbeaten 186 on Day 1
Karun Nair headlined the day with a solid, unbeaten 186 with the bat for India A against England Lions, in the first unofficial test match. Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel also scored fifties.
India A started their England tour on a great note with a solid Day 1 display against the England Lions in Canterbury. Karun Nair headlined the day with a solid, unbeaten 186 with the bat for India A.
England Lions captain James Rew won the toss and decided to bowl first on a greenish pitch at the St. Lawrence Ground.
When it looked like that, Rew took the right decision of bowling first, Sarfaraz Khan and Karun Nair put up a 181-run partnership for the third wicket to give India A the advantage after Day 1’s play.
Karun Nair, who last played a test match in 2017, continued his great form and completed his fifty in 85 balls.
Soon, Sarfraz Khan, who was dropped from the test squad, completed his fifty in 84 balls as well. When both batters were looking to get to the hundred mark first, Sarfraz was caught down the leg side on 92 off 119 balls and missed his ton.
Sarfaraz Khan gets dismissed 8 short of a well-deserved hundred.
Sarfaraz was looking good but was eventually caught down the leg side on 92.
Nair, who was dropped on 89 off Ajeet Singh Dale, completed his 24th first-class ton off 155 balls.
Post that, incoming batter Dhruv Jurel and Nair started smashing the bowlers and changed their gears. Nair reached the landmark of 150 in 205 balls while Jurel reached his fifty in just 68 balls.
At the end of Day 1 of the 4-day unofficial test match, Jurel remained unbeaten on 82 off 104 balls while Nair remained unbeaten on 186 from 246 balls, with India A finishing with 409/3.
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