5 Indian batsmen with most runs against South Africa in Tests

#2 Virender Sehwag - 1306 Runs

Virender Sehwag

At No. 2 comes arguably the most destructive opener India has ever produced in Test cricket, Virender Sehwag. Sehwag’s fearless approach coupled with his incredible hand eye co-ordination made him a nightmare for the opposition.

‘The Nawab of Najafgarh’ played 15 Tests against South Africa and scored 1306 runs at an incredible average of 50.26, including five hundreds and two fifties. In fact, Sehwag’s Test debut was against the Proteas, and he announced his arrival in style, smashing 106 off 173 balls.

Sehwag also blasted a rollicking 319 (the highest by an Indian in Tests) against South Africa at Chennai in 2008. Till date, Sehwag is the only Indian batsman to score two triple hundreds in Test cricket.

RECORD: Matches: 15; Innings: 26; Runs: 1306; Average: 50.26; 100s: 5; 50s: 2

#1 Sachin Tendulkar - 1741 Runs

Sachin Tendulkar

You talk of batting records, and this man’s name will surely figure in the list. Hailed as the God of cricket by his vast legion of fans, Sachin Tendulkar holds almost every major batting record in Test cricket, including that for the most runs (15921), most hundreds (51) and most fifties (68)

In an unprecedented career spanning almost a quarter of a century, Tendulkar bore the gargantuan expectations of his countrymen every time he strode out to bat. ‘The Little Master’ featured in 25 Tests against South Africa and scored 1741 runs, including seven hundreds and five fifties, at an average of 42.46.

Tendulkar scored a stunning 111 against South Africa at Johannesburg in 1992 as a teenager, flattening an attack consisting of the likes of Allan Donald and Brian McMillan. His historic 50th Test hundred also came against South Africa, as he dazzled and sparkled his way to a magical 111*.

Tendulkar’s final century in Test cricket came against the Proteas too. The master batsman scored a sensational 146 at Newlands to enable India to secure a draw.

RECORD: Matches: 25; Innings: 45; Runs: 1741; Average: 42.46; 100s: 7; 50s: 5