Top 5 Test run-getters for India in South Africa

#2 Rahul Dravid

After a sensational start in 1997, Dravid's numbers in South Africa dipped on further tours

Possessing a technique that was almost indestructible even in alien conditions abroad, Dravid was always identified as India's best bet when countering seaming and swinging tracks away from home. The use of soft hands, playing late and close to the body were coaching manual suggestions that were deeply ingrained in his game.

A crucial juncture at the start of his career came in 1997, when he traveled with the team to South Africa, having already proven that he belonged, in England. He responded, and how.

Playing at the crucial No.3 position, Dravid showed what he is made of with a doughty 148, an innings of remarkable resistance against a quality pace attack. If that wasn't enough, he scored 81 in the second innings as India almost sneaked out a victory at Johannesburg. His place in the team was sealed forever.

The subsequent tours weren't as prolific for him, barring a few quality knocks here and there: including an 87 at Port Elizabeth when the Indian team were in hot pursuit of a target of 395.

The 2006 and 2010 tours were blots in his career graph, as he failed to post a single fifty 12 attempts.

Tests: 11

Runs: 624

Average: 29.71

50s/100s: 2/1

Highest: 148