India has always been known for its world-class bowlers, from spin legends like Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh to modern-day pacers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. Over the years, visiting batters have found it tough to pile up big scores against India, especially on Indian soil, where conditions heavily favor spin. However, there have been some exceptional batters who managed to score heavily against India in Test cricket and etched their names in history.
Recently, England’s star batter Joe Root created history by becoming the first player to cross 3,000 Test runs against India. Root achieved this landmark during the third Test at Lord’s in July 2025. His incredible consistency and ability to handle Indian bowling both at home and away make this record even more special.
Over the years, other legends like Ricky Ponting, Alastair Cook, Steve Smith, and Clive Lloyd have also troubled India with their remarkable batting performances. Let’s take a look at the top players who have scored the most runs against India in Test matches.
Top players with Most Runs against India in Tests
| Player | Span | Matches | Innings | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 0 | 4s | 6s |
| JE Root (ENG) | 2012-2025 | 33* | 60 | 7 | 3059 | 218 | 57.71 | 5574 | 54.87 | 11 | 12 | 1 | 327 | 8 |
| RT Ponting (AUS) | 1996-2012 | 29 | 51 | 4 | 2555 | 257 | 54.36 | 4428 | 57.70 | 8 | 12 | 4 | 278 | 4 |
| AN Cook (ENG) | 2006-2018 | 30 | 54 | 3 | 2431 | 294 | 47.66 | 5374 | 45.23 | 7 | 9 | 1 | 283 | 3 |
| SPD Smith (AUS) | 2013-2025 | 24 | 46 | 6 | 2356 | 192 | 58.90 | 4460 | 52.82 | 11 | 5 | 3 | 257 | 14 |
| CH Lloyd (WI) | 1966-1983 | 28 | 44 | 4 | 2344 | 242* | 58.60 | 605+ | 57.02 | 7 | 12 | 1 | 161+ | 22 |
| Javed Miandad (PAK) | 1978-1989 | 28 | 39 | 6 | 2228 | 280* | 67.51 | 3081+ | 50.08 | 5 | 14 | 1 | 127+ | 13 |
| S Chanderpaul (WI) | 1994-2013 | 25 | 44 | 10 | 2171 | 140 | 63.85 | 5171 | 41.98 | 7 | 10 | – | 219 | 8 |
| MJ Clarke (AUS) | 2004-2014 | 22 | 40 | 2 | 2049 | 329* | 53.92 | 3622 | 56.57 | 7 | 6 | 2 | 227 | 14 |
| IVA Richards (WI) | 1974-1989 | 28 | 41 | 3 | 1927 | 192* | 50.71 | 659+ | 65.25 | 8 | 7 | 1 | 124+ | 20 |
| GS Sobers (WI) | 1958-1971 | 18 | 30 | 7 | 1920 | 198 | 83.47 | – | – | 8 | 7 | 2 | 73+ | 17+ |
Top 5 players with Most runs against India in Tests
Joe Root (England)- 3,059 Runs
Joe Root sits at the top of this elite list. With 3,059 runs in 33 Tests at an average above 57, he has shown unmatched consistency against India. He has scored 11 centuries and 12 half-centuries and his highest score of 218 came during the 2021 tour to India in Chennai. Root’s ability to adapt to different conditions and counter-spin has made him a constant threat to Indian Bowlers.
Read Also:-Most Catches for India in Tests
Ricky Ponting (Australia)- 2,555 Runs
Ponting, a key figure in Australia’s golden era, he scored 2,555 runs against Indian in 29 Tests at an average of 54.3. Known for his aggressive style, Ponting managed to score eight centuries and 12 fifties, with a career-best 257 against India. He often stepped up in big moments, making him one of India’s toughest opponents.
Alastair Cook (England)- 2,431 Runs
Cook, one of England’s greatest openers, made 2,431 runs against India across 30 tests. His patient, composed batting style helped him score seven centuries and nine fifties, with a highest score of 294. Cook played a big role in England’s historic series win in India in 2012 and often laid the foundation for his team.
Steve Smith (Australia)- 2356 Runs
Smith has scored 2356 runs in 24 Tests against India at an outstanding average of 58.90. He has hit 11 centuries, the most by any batter against India, and also has five half-centuries. Smith’s unorthodox technique and relentless focus have made him one of the most difficult batters for India to dismiss easily, and he has scored a good number of runs for the team against Indian bowlers.
See Also:- Most Wickets in SENA Countries
Clive Lloyd (West Indies)- 2,344 runs
Clive Lloyd was a towering figure in world cricket and one of the most respected captains ever. He led the West Indies to two World Cup titles and made them a dominant force in world cricket during the 1970s and 80s. Against India, Lloyd scored 2,344 runs in 28 Tests at a superb average of 58.60, including seven centuries and 12 fifties. His highest score of 242* came in Mumbai, showcasing his ability to play big innings. Known for his powerful batting and calm leadership, Lloyd often turned matches single-handedly against India, his record highlights both his consistency and his match-winning mindset in the long format of the game.
Scoring against India in Tests has never been easy. The bowlers, home conditions, and strong fielding setup make India one of the toughest opponents. However, these batters not only stood firm but excelled, setting records that might last for years. Joe Root’s latest achievement of crossing 3,000 runs marks a new chapter in this rivalry and sets a high benchmark for future generations.
Half century 50 in style for Rishabh Pant. India 215 for 3 down. #INDvsENG #INDvsENG3rdTest pic.twitter.com/8MyGU1oAkA
— Long off (@almostgenz) July 12, 2025
