Most Balls faced in Test Innings by Indians

  • Published - August 29, 2025 16:56:37
  • Updated - August 29, 2025 16:56:37
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Test cricket is the longest format of the game, and it demands patience, concentration, and skill from a batter. Unlike limited overs cricket, the aim in Test matches is not just to score runs quickly but also to occupy the crease for long periods and tire out the opposition. Over the years, many Indian batters have produced marathon innings where they faced a very high number of deliveries. These innings have played a big role in India’s success in Test cricket.

Cheteshwar Pujara currently holds the record for the most balls faced by an Indian in a Test innings. Before him, players like Rahul Dravid, Sunil Gavaskar, Navjot Singh Sidhu, and Virendra Sehwag had set similar benchmarks. So today, we will be looking at the players who have faced the most balls in Test innings.

Players list who faced the most balls in Test innings (By Indians)

Player Runs Balls Faced Opposition Venue Year
Cheteshwar Pujara 202 525 Australia Ranchi 2017
Rahul Dravid 270 495 Pakistan Rawalpindi 2004
Navjot Singh Sidhu 201 491 West Indies Port of Spain 1997
Sunil Gavaskar 221 472 England The Oval 1979
Virender Sehwag 309 458 Pakistan Multan 2004
VVS Laxman 281 442 Australia Kolkata 2001
Sanjay Manjrekar 218 397 Pakistan Lahore 1989
Kapil Dev 163 397 Sri Lanka Kanpur 1986
Ashok Mankad 97 362 New Zealand Wellington 1969
Vijay Manjrekar 189 361 New Zealand Delhi 1955

Most Balls faced in Test Innings- Top 3 players

Cheteshwar Pujara(202 off 525 Balls vs Australia, Ranchi 2017)

Pujara played a marathon knock of 202 runs, facing 525 deliveries against Australia. His innings lasted more than 10 hours, making it the longest by an Indian in terms of balls faced. It helped India draw the Test and stay strong in the series.

Rahul Dravid(270 off 495 balls vs Pakistan, Rawalpindi 2004)

Dravid’s 270 runs in Rawalpindi came from 495 balls, and it was a match-winning knock. His effort helped India secure a famous victory on Pakistani soil. The innings highlighted his patience and technical mastery.

Navjot Singh Sidhu(201 off 491 balls vs West Indies, Port of Spain 1997)

Sidhu batted for more than 11 hours, scoring 201 runs from 491 balls against the West Indies. It was one of his finest Test knocks and helped India save the match. His determination and concentration in the game were highly praised