Top 5 Indian players with the most sixes in IPL history
Former Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma holds the record of hitting the most sixes in IPL cricket history as an Indian player. He has struck 261 sixes in the Indian cash-rich league.
The seventeenth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) has already begun on March 22 with a huge clash between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore. IPL has seen several world-class players over the years. The best and most dangerous players in the world, like Kohli, Gayle, AB de Villiers, Rohit Sharma, and Warner have scored plenty of runs and struck ample amount of sixes in the league. Chris Gayle (357) has struck the most number of sixes in the history of the Indian cash-rich league. So, it's time we look at the list of top 5 Indian players with the most sixes in IPL.
Top 5 Indian players with the most sixes in IPL history
1. Rohit Sharma - 261 sixes
Rohit tops the list of hitting the most number of sixes in IPL as an Indian batter | Image: BCCI
The Hitman, Rohit Sharma is one of the most dangerous batsmen in the IPL. He has led Mumbai Indians to five titles so far. Rohit began his IPL career with Deccan in 2008 before joining Mumbai in 2011. In 246 matches, Rohit Sharma has scored 6290 runs at an average of 29.48, with 1 hundred and 42 half-centuries. The Hitman holds the record of hitting the most number of sixes in IPL history as an Indian player. He has struck 261 sixes in the Indian cash-rich league.
2. Virat Kohli - 242 sixes
Virat comes second in the list in terms of hitting the most sixes in IPL as an Indian batter | Image: Getty
Virat Kohli holds the record for scoring the most runs in IPL. He has scored 7466 runs in 241 matches, including 7 centuries and 52 fifties. Virat has scored those runs at an average of 37.71 and a strike rate of 130.03. His best season came in 2016 when he made an incredible 973 runs in a single season, including 4 hundreds which is still the highest individual runs in a single season. Virat comes second in the list in terms of hitting the most sixes in IPL as an Indian batter with 242 sixes to his name.
3. MS Dhoni - 242 sixes
MSD comes third in the list in terms of hitting the most sixes in IPL as an Indian batter | Image: PTI
The 42-year-old MS Dhoni has always been a dangerous batsman for opponents due to his captaincy brilliance and batting prowess. The CSK veteran is arguably one of the greatest finishers in the history of the game. The former CSK skipper has scored 5120 runs in 254 IPL matches at an average of 39.08. MSD comes third in the list in terms of hitting the most number of sixes in IPL as an Indian batter with 242 sixes to his name. Dhoni and Virat both have struck the same amount of sixes but the fact MSD is third in the list is because he has played more matches than the former RCB skipper.
Raina comes fourth in the list in terms of hitting the most sixes in IPL as an Indian batter | Image: IANS
Mr. IPL, Suresh Raina has been a key member of Chennai in the Indian Premier League. He has been always consistent for CSK and led the team to 4 titles and 5 runner-up titles. In 205 matches, Raina has scored 5528 runs at a fantastic strike rate of 136.76, with 1 hundred and 39 fifties. He comes fourth in this list with 203 sixes to his name. Raina retired from international cricket in 2020 and from IPL in 2022.
5. Sanju Samson - 188 sixes
Sanju Samson comes fifth in this list | Image: AFP
The Rajasthan Royals skipper, Sanju Samson is one of the best big-hitters in the IPL and he has showcased that in the competition over the years. He has been a consistent performer for Rajasthan Royals in the past few years and has brilliantly started the 17th edition too. Samson has struck 188 sixes in only 155 IPL matches, scoring 3997 runs at an economy of 29.61. The 29-year-old wicketkeeper batter has also scored three centuries and 21 half-centuries in the Indian Premier League.
With his latest century against India at the Oval during the fifth test of the series, Joe Root has now climbed up to no. 4 position in the list of most test centuries in cricket history.
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
Sachin Tendulkar celebrates his 30th Test century in 2002. Image | ESPNcricinfo
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.
Jacques Kallis celebrates his 40th test century in 2011. Image | Mint
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 celebrates his 40th test century against India in 2012. Image | Pinterest
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.
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.
Kumar Sangakkara celebrates his first century at the Lord's Cricket Ground in 2014. Image | Sky Sports
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.
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.
Rank
Player
Country
Test centuries
1
Sachin Tendulkar
India
51
2
Jacques Kallis
South Africa
45
3
Ricky Ponting
Australia
41
4
Joe Root
England
39
5
Kumar Sangakkara
Sri Lanka
38
6
Steve Smith
Australia
36
7
Rahul Dravid
India
36
8
Younis Khan
Pakistan
34
9
Sunil Gavaskar
India
34
10
Brian Lara
West Indies
34
11
Mahela Jayawardene
Sri Lanka
34
12
Kane Williamson
New Zealand
33
13
Alastair Cook
England
33
14
Steve Waugh
Australia
32
15
Matthew Hayden
Australia
30
16
Virat Kohli
India
30
17
Shivnarine Chanderpaul
West Indies
30
18
Dom Bradman
Australia
29
19
Michael Clarke
Australia
28
20
Hashim Amla
South Africa
28
Note: Article was first written by Snighda Halder on 26th July, 2025 and later got updated by the editorial team.
Most Test centuries in the World Test Championship
Joe Root, with 21 test tons, has scored the most test centuries in the World Test Championship so far. Shubman Gill has entered the top 10 of the list recently.
The World Test Championship was started in 2019 to make Test cricket interesting. The Championship has changed the way Test Cricket is being played. Teams like England and India, along with Australia, have shown their aggressive brand of cricket.
South Africa are the current winner of the ICC World Test Championship. New Zealand and Australia have won the World Test Championships in the first two editions, while India played the final on both occasions.
Here are the players with the most Test centuries in the World Test Championship.
1. Joe Root | 21
Root dedicated his 21st century on WTC to former England keeper Graham Thorpe. Image | ICC
England's Joe Root has the most Test centuries in the World Test Championship. So far, he has scored 21 centuries in 126 innings of 69 matches. Root is also the batsman who has scored the most runs in this tournament, with6080 runs at an average of 52.86.
Till now, Root is the only batter to score more than 6000 runs in WTC history.
His best knock came against India in 2021 when he scored 228 in Chennai to help his side win the game.
Australia's Steve Smithhas now scored the most test centuries in the World Test Championship. The Aussie top-order batter has been one of the best test batters of this generation and has scored runs all around the world.
Smith is known for his unorthodox and yet effective batting style, which keeps on annoying the opponent's bowling lineups.
Till now in WTC, Steve Smith has scored 4225 runs at an outstanding average of 50.29, including 13 test centuries.
Australia's Marnus Labuschagne has scored 11 centuries in his Test career, and all have been scored in the World Test Championship. In 53 matches, he has scored 4225 runs at an average of 48.01 during the Test Championship.
Marnus used to have his test average over 50. However, a recent dip in form, which also led to him being dropped from the test side as well, brought his batting average down.
Still, he is the batter with the second-most test centuries and third-most runs in WTC history so far.
4. Kane Williamson | 11
Kane Williamson has batted amazingly in the World Test Championship. He has played only 28 matches so far in this tournament, but has managed to score 11 centuries in his 50 innings.
Williamson has the best average (61.34) among the batsmen who have scored at least 2000 runs in the World Test Championship. During the Test match versus South Africa, the former Kiwi skipper scored two tons in the same game.
Former Indian test captain Rohit Sharma is the only Indian batter included in the 'most Test centuries in the World Test Championship' list.
Before retiring from the format, Rohit played 40 matches during the Test Championship since 2019. In his 69 innings, he has scored 9 centuries and 8 half-centuries with his bat.
With 2716 runs in the World Test Championship in just 40 Tests, Rohit is the highest scorer for India in WTC history so far, with an average is 41.15. Rohit Sharma's all of 9 test tons in WTC came in winning cause for India.
Brook after scoring his latest test century, vs India in Birmingham. Image | Getty Images
Currently, the ICC No.1 Men's test batter, Harry Brook, comes at number six on our list of players with the most test centuries in the World Test Championship.
The English youngster has just played 26 test matches during the WTC cycles and has scored 9 centuries so far.
Apart from Joe Root, he has been the shining armour of the English batting lineup in the last two seasons. Brook, till now, has scored 2424 test runs in WTC at an average of 55.09, with an outstanding strike rate of 84.54, the highest in WTC history.
Gill after scoring his double ton against England at Edgbaston. Image | BCCI
Before starting his tenure as the captain of the Indian men's test cricket team, Shubman Gill was nowhere on this list of batters with the most test hundreds in WTC history.
But as he wore the blazer of the Indian team, he was a different beast. In the first two tests as captain, he hit three centuries, which also had a highest score of 269, the highest by any Indian test captain.
Till now, in 37 tests in WTC, Gill has scored 2647 runs at an average of 41.35, including 9 test tons.
8. Babar Azam | 8
The former Pakistan skipper has scored 8 centuries during the World Test Championship cycle. Babar Azam is the sixth in the list of batters with the most test centuries in WTC history.
In 36 matches, he has also scored 2998 runs at an average of 48.35 during the Test Championship.
The 29-year-old isn’t in the greatest of form currently, but on his day, Babar Azam is a delight to watch.
One of his most memorable knocks came against Australia in Karachi in 2022. Babar scored 196 while chasing a huge total in the 4th inning of the game.
9. Dhananjaya de Silva | 8
Sri Lanka's Dhananjaya De Silva might be one of the surprising names on this list.
The Sri Lanka captain has been one of the best batters for his country despite lacking support from the other end, most of the time.
So far, he has scored 8 centuries in 62 innings of 35 matches. Dhananjaya also scored 2509 runs, with an average of 44.80, during the Test Championship. Dhananjaya is also one of the active players with the most test centuries currently.
Head after scoring a ton against India in 2024. Image | Getty Images
Travis Head, the swashbuckling left-handed batter, has also scored 8 test tons during the World Test Championship cycle. The Aussie batter is one of the most dangerous middle-order batters in the world at the moment in test cricket.
Till now, in 51 matches in WTC, Head has scored 3264 runs at an average of 40.80, with a strike-rate of 72.85. Head also scored 15 fifties during the World Test Championship.
Head's 7 out of 8 test tons during the WTC came in a winning cause for Australia.
Australian opener Usman Khawaja has hit 8 centuries during the World Test Championship cycle.
In 42 matches, he has scored3251 runs at an average of 45.78. The Southpaw batter is a treat to watch when he is in song and has restored his career with some outstanding scores for the current WTC champions.
He was also the second-highest-scoring batsman in the 2021–2023 WTC cycle with 1,621 runs, the highest by an Australian batsman.
Shubman Gill, with his 722 runs and counting in the ongoing England vs India 2025 test series, is the batter with the third most runs for India in a test series.
Shubman Gill became only the third India batter to score more than 700 runs in a test series. Image | BCCI on X
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.
#2. Sunil Gavaskar | 732 in 1978-79 vs West Indies
Sunil Gavaskar scored 732 runs in the India vs West Indies 1978/79 test series. Image | Wisden
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 helpedIndia win that six-match series by 1-0.
Shubman Gill after hitting 4th ton of the Anderson-Tendulakr 2025 series. Image | BCCI on X
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.
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.
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.
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.
Joe Root scored his 38th Test Century on the third day of the fourth Test between England and India in Manchester. He is now the batsman with the most test centuries for England.
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.
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
Image - ICC
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.
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.
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.
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:
Discover the players with most sixes for India in tests. Explore how Rishabh Pant surpassed Dhoni's record and recently equaled Rohit Sharma. Can he claim the top spot? Find out.
Indian batters have showcased an impressive six-hitting record in the history of test cricket, etching their names among the big hitters around the world. It represents not just power, but a fearless approach in the longest format.
Some of India's most celebrated cricketers have taken this record for most sixes in tests to another level, having smashed an unparalleled number of sixes. Focusing on the current standings, Rishabh Pant is the one name growing rapidly to the top, surpassing Dhoni's record.
Find out who hit the most sixes for India in tests, and how close Pant is to claiming the top spot.
Virender Sehwag hitting a six for India in a test match. Image | ESPNcricinfo
The former Indian cricketer, Virender Sehwag, has hit the most sixes for India in tests. His six-hitting approach was defined by a dominant mindset, where he would take on a bowler in the very first over if he wanted.
Sehwag smashed 90 sixes for India in test format, spanning from 2001 to 2013. This came across 103 test matches (178 innings) and has been unmatched over a decade.
2. Rishabh Pant | 88 sixes
Rishabh Pant hitting his iconic one-handed sixes for India in a test match. Image | NDTV
Rishabh Pant has rapidly climbed up in the elite list of six-hitters, recently levelling up Rohit Sharma's numbers with 88 sixes in tests. He also became the player with most sixes (36 sixes) against England in tests, surpassing Viv Richards' record.
Pant's immense power and confidence in the format is really exciting to watch. He is only 3 big hitsaway from surpassing Sehwag and becoming the player with most sixes for India in tests.
He reached to this spot in just 46 matches (80 innings), which shows how he is capable of taking this record to the highest level with his one-handed flicks, aggressive sweeps, and powerful pulls.
Rohit Sharma smashing a six for India in test. Image | X
Rohit Sharma put an end to his test career with an astounding 88 sixes for India in 67 matches (116 innings). From his test debut as a middle-order batsman to transitioning into one of the best test openers for India, he kept his big-hitting prowess alive throughout.
Sharma's ability to read lengths early and deliver the ball effortlessly to the stands was phenomenal. Given that he holds the record for the most international sixes across all formats, his position within his nation's top 5 in Test cricket is certainly not a surprise.
MS Dhoni hitting a flat six ina a test match for India. Image | TOI
MS Dhoni holds the 4th spot for most sixes for India in tests, having 78 sixes across 90 matches (144 innings). Renowned for his "helicopter shot," which delivered the ball soaring over long-on or mid-wicket, his strength lay in his powerful forearms and lower body.
Dhoni often converted decent deliveries into maximums, in order to shift the pressure at crucial times for India.
5. Ravindra Jadeja | 73 sixes
Ravindra Jadeja going big against England in a test match. Image | Facebook
Being the only all-rounder in the list of most sixes for India in tests, Ravindra Jadeja, with 73 sixes to his name, needs to be given the appreciation he truly deserves. He achieved those numbers in only 83 matches (123 innings).
Jadeja is the second player, after Pant, to have an ongoing test career among the Top 5, which indicates his potential to surpass Dhoni's record. Considering his current pace, the day he breaks records and climbs higher on the list doesn't seem far off.