When it comes to Test cricket, West Indies has always been a challenging destination for touring teams, and Team India is no exception. Over the years, Indian batsmen have showcased their talent and resilience in the Caribbean, scoring some remarkable individual innings. In this blog, we will delve deeper into the top 10 highest individual Test scores by Indian players against West Indies. From the legendary Sunil Gavaskar to the modern-day superstar Virat Kohli, let’s relive these memorable performances that have etched themselves into cricketing history.

#10 Sunil Gavaskar’s 156

During the 1976 tour, Sunil Gavaskar played an exceptional knock of 156 off 352 balls. This innings is regarded as one of his seven centuries in the West Indies. Gavaskar’s gritty performance provided India with a significant first-innings lead of 161 runs. Despite his heroics, the match ultimately ended in a draw, showcasing the tenacity of the West Indies team.

#9 KL Rahul’s 158

In the second Test of the 2016 tour, KL Rahul displayed his batting prowess with a brilliant 158 off 303 balls. Rahul’s innings, which included 15 boundaries and three sixes, propelled India to a commanding total of 500/9 declared in the first innings. However, despite India’s strong position, the match resulted in a draw, highlighting the resilient fightback from the West Indies side.

#8 Madhav Apte’s 163

During the 1953 tour, Madhav Apte played a memorable second-innings knock of 163 runs. Apte, who represented India in 7 Tests with an average of 49.3, showcased his batting skills to help India set a respectable target of 327 for the West Indies. Unfortunately, the match ended in a draw, denying India a victory despite Apte’s brilliant innings.

#7 Polly Umrigar’s 172

Polly Umrigar, one of India’s best Test batsmen, played a fighting knock of 172 runs during India’s 1962 tour of the West Indies. Facing a follow-on after conceding a 247-run lead, Umrigar’s innings provided India with hope as he lifted the team to a total of 422. Although India ultimately lost the match, Umrigar’s determined knock was the highlight of the game.

Also Read: Top Batsmen with Most Test Runs Against India

#6 Virender Sehwag’s 180

Known for his aggressive batting style, Virender Sehwag lit up the Gros Islet stadium during India’s 2006 tour with a stunning innings of 180 runs off just 190 balls. Sehwag’s knock, which included 20 boundaries and two sixes, propelled India to their highest Test score in the West Indies, reaching 588/9. However, rain played spoilsport, and the match ended in a draw, denying India a potential victory.

#5 Virat Kohli’s 200

Finally, the only knock on this list in a winning cause comes from Virat Kohli’s extraordinary double century during India’s 2016 tour. Batting first in the first Test at North Sound, Kohli played a magnificent innings of 200 runs, displaying his exceptional skills and concentration. His knock helped India post a mammoth total of 566/8 declared. In reply, West Indies could only manage 243 and 231 runs respectively, resulting in an innings victory for India.

#4 Navjot Singh Sidhu’s 201

Navjot Singh Sidhu’s marathon innings of 201 runs off 491 balls came during India’s 1997 tour of the West Indies. Despite his monumental effort, the match ended in a draw. Sidhu’s knock was crucial in giving India a substantial 140-run lead in the first innings, but India’s slow run rate may have contributed to the draw.

Also Read: Most Runs Scored by Indian Players In Test Cricket

#3 Wasim Jaffer’s 212

At number 3, we have Wasim Jaffer’s incredible innings of 212 runs during India’s 2006 tour. What makes this knock even more special is that it came in the second innings. Despite India scoring a massive 521/6, the match still ended in a draw, showcasing the resilience of the West Indies team to hold on for a draw.

#2 Dilip Sardesai’s 212

In 1971, Dilip Sardesai played a remarkable innings of 212 runs in the first Test of the series. Sardesai’s contribution accounted for more than half of India’s total of 387. However, the match ended in a draw as West Indies managed to secure a draw with their resilient batting in both innings.

#1 Sunil Gavaskar’s 220

The most special performance on this list belongs to the legendary Sunil Gavaskar. During the 1971 series, Gavaskar scored centuries in both innings of the Test match. He first hit 124 runs in the first innings and then followed it up with a magnificent 220 in the second innings. Despite his heroics, the match ended in a draw, showcasing Gavaskar’s exceptional batting skills and determination.

Conclusion

These extraordinary innings by Indian players against West Indies stand as a testament to their skill, resilience, and ability to excel in challenging conditions. From Gavaskar’s legendary performances to Kohli’s match-winning double century, these knocks have left an indelible mark in the history of Indian cricket. As we eagerly await new battles between India and West Indies, let’s celebrate the rich legacy of Indian batsmen in the Caribbean and look forward to more captivating performances in the future.