In the rich history of Indian cricket, several players have left their mark with monumental performances on foreign soil. While playing away from home is always a greater challenge, some Indian cricketers have shown remarkable grit and skill to register extraordinary individual scores in Tests. This article focuses on the top 10 highest Test scores by a batsman, with a special emphasis on Indians who have achieved this milestone in overseas matches.
Scoring a century in Test cricket is an outstanding achievement. But crossing the double or even triple hundred mark in foreign conditions elevates a batsman’s status to legendary. In this list, we look at some of the greatest individual innings played by Indian batsmen away from home and how these performances feature in the top 10 highest Test scores by a batsman.
Let’s dive deep into these unforgettable moments that changed the course of Indian cricket history.
1. Virender Sehwag – 309 vs Pakistan (Multan, 2004)
Sehwag’s Triple Century – The Birth of the ‘Sultan of Multan’
Topping the list of the top 10 highest Test scores by a batsman for India away from home is none other than Virender Sehwag. In April 2004, Sehwag unleashed one of the most aggressive and memorable innings in Test cricket. Facing Pakistan in Multan, Sehwag smashed 309 runs off just 375 deliveries.
His fearless batting dismantled the Pakistani bowling attack, helping India declare at a massive 675 in the first innings. This triple century made Sehwag the first Indian to score a triple hundred in Tests and remains the highest individual Test score by an Indian away from home.
2. Rahul Dravid – 270 vs Pakistan (Rawalpindi, 2004)
The Wall Stands Tall in Rawalpindi
Just weeks after Sehwag’s historic knock, Rahul Dravid etched his name into the elite list of the top 10 highest Test scores by a batsman. Known for his patience and technical brilliance, Dravid compiled a stunning 270 off 495 deliveries against Pakistan.
India posted a massive 600 after Pakistan’s modest first-innings score of 224. Dravid’s innings was a masterclass in Test batting, anchoring the innings and setting the stage for an emphatic Indian victory.
3. Shubman Gill – 269 vs England (Edgbaston, 2025)
A New Era Begins
In the second Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, Shubman Gill proved why he is considered the future of Indian cricket. Playing against England at Edgbaston, Gill scored a magnificent 269 from 387 balls.
His innings propelled India to 587 runs in the first innings and solidified his place among legends. This knock is not only Gill’s highest but also features among the top 10 highest Test scores by a batsman in Indian cricket history. His innings were a mix of classical technique and modern flair, showing that Indian cricket is in safe hands.
4. Virender Sehwag – 254 vs Pakistan (Lahore, 2006)
Sehwag Strikes Again
Virender Sehwag features again in this elite list with his blazing 254-run innings against Pakistan in Lahore in 2006. In response to Pakistan’s mammoth 679, Sehwag gave India a flying start with a knock that came in just 247 balls.
Although the match ended in a draw, Sehwag’s innings kept India in the game and reminded the world why he’s one of the most destructive openers in Test history. Another strong entry into the top 10 highest Test score by a batsman list.
5. Sachin Tendulkar – 248* vs Bangladesh (Dhaka, 2004)
Master Blaster’s Flawless Knock
The God of Cricket, Sachin Tendulkar, played one of his finest Test innings against Bangladesh in 2004. After India conceded 184 in the first innings, Tendulkar scored a sublime 248* not out to take India to 526.
His innings came without a single moment of haste or recklessness, proving why he remains the gold standard for consistency and grace. Tendulkar’s 248* ranks high in the top 10 highest Test scores by a batsman and is his highest Test score.
Indians on the Rise – Who Could Join This Elite List?
While these five legends have already carved their names in history, several emerging talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Sarfaraz Khan could potentially enter the top 10 highest Test scores by a batsman club.
Given their early success and technical skill, a big overseas knock is just a matter of time.
What Makes These Innings Special?
Foreign Conditions and High Pressure
Performing in foreign countries means dealing with swinging conditions in England, bouncing tracks in Australia, and hostile crowds in Pakistan or South Africa. The pressure is immense, and only the best can thrive.
That’s what makes the top 10 highest Test score by a batsman such a coveted list. It’s not just about runs—it’s about character.
The Importance of Patience and Endurance
Test Cricket Is a True Test of Temperament
The innings mentioned above weren’t just powerful, they were long and draining. Batting for multiple sessions, often across days, requires mental and physical endurance.
From Sehwag’s aggressive stroke play to Dravid’s impenetrable defense, each style contributed uniquely to the top 10 highest Test scores by a batsman leaderboard.
A Look at Global Context – Where Do These Scores Stand?
When we talk about the top 10 highest Test scores by a batsman globally, names like Brian Lara (400*), Matthew Hayden (380), and Mahela Jayawardene (374) dominate the upper tier.
While Indian batsmen haven’t yet crossed Lara’s mammoth 400, Sehwag’s 309 remains one of the most dominant innings in overseas conditions and is a proud feather in Indian cricket’s cap.
Future Records in the Making
With the introduction of ICC’s World Test Championship and more frequent bilateral series, Indian batsmen are getting more opportunities to play in overseas conditions.
We may soon see Gill or another young star surpassing even Sehwag’s 309 to climb higher in the top 10 highest Test scores by a batsman list.