Team India has seen a surge of batting talent in recent years, particularly in the World Test Championship (WTC). The WTC, since its inception, has become the premier championship for Test cricket, adding context to every Test match played. Indian batters, both seasoned and emerging, have utilized this stage to showcase their skills, resulting in some remarkable century records. Here’s a look at the top 5 Indian batsmen with the most centuries in WTC history:
1. Rohit Sharma (9 Centuries)
Rohit Sharma, the former India captain, leads the pack with an impressive nine centuries in the WTC. He has been a pillar of the Indian batting lineup, known for his ability to dominate both at home and on foreign soil. His steady and powerful batting at the top has often kept India in contention, especially against tough opponents like Australia and England. Sharma has scored 2716 runs in 40 matches with an impressive average of 50.03.
2. Shubman Gill (6 Centuries)
Shubman Gill has cemented his place as a key figure in the Indian Test team, now leading the side as captain. Gill has notched up six centuries, which includes a century on his captaincy debut against England at Headingley. Gill has shown tremendous skill and adaptability, scoring runs in challenging conditions and is only the fourth Indian cricketer to surpass 2000 runs in the WTC.
3. Virat Kohli (5 Centuries)
Virat Kohli, even after retiring from the format, remains a central figure in India's WTC journey. He has five centuries to his name, providing stability and experience to the middle order. Kohli's contributions, particularly on away tours to countries like Australia and South Africa, have been crucial in India's success. In WTC history, Kohli has scored a total of 2258 runs.
4. Yashasvi Jaiswal (5 Centuries)
Yashasvi Jaiswal has quickly made a name for himself with his bold and attacking style of play. He has already scored five centuries, with his recent one against England at Headingley highlighting his growth and maturity as a player. Jaiswal's fearless approach and hunger for runs have made him a dependable opener for the future.
5. Rishabh Pant (4 Centuries)
Rishabh Pant's inclusion in this list underscores his impact as a dynamic and fearless batsman. Pant's four centuries have often come at critical moments, turning the tide in India's favor. Pant is known for his aggressive batting style, especially in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) conditions. Pant has seven centuries overall, overtaking MS Dhoni, who has six Test centuries. Also, his six count in WTC has gone up to 62, overtaking Rohit’s tally of 56 in 40 Tests.
These batsmen exemplify the depth and strength of India's Test batting lineup in the World Test Championship. With a blend of experience and youthful exuberance, Team India looks well-equipped to continue its strong performance in the WTC cycle.