5 great Indian batsmen who averaged better in away Tests

Indian cricket has primarily been about great batsmen who have come in from time to time and left their impression on the game. However, one of the greatest yardsticks on which Indian batsmen have been judged over the years has been their performance away from home.The game’s history in the country has witnessed many players who have been exceptional with the bat at home but were not that effective when exposed to alien conditions. On the other hand, there have also been cases where batsmen have been ordinary at best in home conditions but went on to thrive when touring different countries.We take a look at 5 great Indian batsmen who averaged better in away Tests:

#5 Vijay Merchant

Vijay Merchant was one of India’s earliest legends

Average in Home Tests – 47.42

Average in Away Tests – 47.90

An Indian batting star from the pre-Independence era, Vijay Merchant did not play too many Tests in his 10-year career. In those days, India’s only cricket used to be against England and therefore, Merchant played only either in India or in England.

While he had a brilliant average of 47.42 in the home Tests that he played, it was slightly higher at 47.90 in the Tests he played on English soil. It is a pity that the cricketing world saw so less of this exceptional batsman who boasted of an envious first-class average of 71.64.

#4 Mohinder Amarnath

Mohinder Amarnath excelled in conditions away from home

Average in Home Tests – 30.44

Average in Away Tests – 51.86

Mohinder Amarnath was a rare Indian batsman who enjoyed batting in away conditions but struggled while playing at home. While there is not much difference in the number of matches he played both home and away, there is a huge gulf in the batting statistics.

In 32 Tests at home, Amarnath scored 1,370 runs with 2 centuries whereas his run tally in 37 away matches is 3,008 with 9 tons. The most staggering difference is in the averages as it is a mere 30.44 in India; however, it inflates to an exceptional 51.86 in Tests away from home.

Had he been able to emulate his away efforts in home conditions too, Mohinder could have become an even greater batsman.

#3 Sunil Gavaskar

Gavaskar had mastered the art of batting against West Indies

Average in Home Tests – 50.16

Average in Away Tests – 52.11

The ‘Little Master’, Sunil Gavaskar, is one of the greatest batsmen to have played the game for India. He was a master technician and was capable enough to bat well in any conditions, be it at home or away.

However, Gavaskar is always remembered more for the way in which he led the way for India with the bat on foreign pitches, particularly in countries like West Indies. This is a fact which reflects in his phenomenal average of 52.11 in away Tests as it is a tad higher than his equally healthy average of 50.16 at home.

The comfort level that Sunil Gavaskar possessed while batting in alien conditions makes him the legend that he is.

#2 Rahul Dravid

Rahul Dravid thrived in English conditions

Average in Home Tests – 51.35

Average in Away Tests – 53.03

It is hardly a surprise that the man who made a career out of making bowlers toil in their own backyard makes it to this list. Rahul Dravid has pulled off some magical acts on away conditions which were considered highly unlikely by most and was the architect of many of India’s famous wins on foreign soil.

In an illustrious career which lasted 16 years, Dravid played 164 Tests, out of which 94 were played away from home. The masterful batsman scored his runs at an average of 53.03 in his away Tests as against 51.35 in Tests played in home conditions.

Rahul Dravid’s prowess in foreign conditions is now an integral part of his legacy as an Indian cricketer.

#1 Sachin Tendulkar

Tendulkar had an incredible record in Australia

Average in Home Tests – 52.67

Average in Away Tests – 54.74

Throughout his 24-year-long Test career, Sachin Tendulkar was known more for his exploits in foreign conditions than for what he did in India. Tendulkar has played more matches, scored more runs and even got more hundreds outside of his country.

While you may find a number of other players who have done the same, the remarkable bit is that Sachin has performed better in away conditions in terms of his average as well. He has an outstanding average of 52.67 in Tests played in India; however, it increases a few notches to 54.74 in matches away from home.

This is just one more reason why Tendulkar commands so much respect in the cricketing fraternity.