Top five highest Test scores by Indian batters at the Gabba

The Brisbane Cricket Ground, commonly referred to as "The Gabba," has long served as a stronghold for Australia in the realm of Test cricket. The Brisbane track is recognized for its additional speed and bounce, which enhances the performance of the tall Australian bowlers.

Australia maintained an unblemished record in Test matches at the Gabba from 1988 until 2021, before suffering a notable defeat to India in 2021. While India’s performance in 2021 was historic, their overall record in Brisbane has not been convincing.

Indian batters, especially, have struggled to adjust to the bouncy pitch at the Gabba. A limited number of individuals have successfully overcome these challenges and post big runs at the iconic venue. 

In this article, let’s take a look at the top five highest Test scores by Indian batters at the Gabba.

5. Shubman Gill – 91 runs, 2021

The 2021 Brisbane test is widely remembered for Rishabh Pant’s match-winning knock of unbeaten 89 runs in the second innings. However, what is often forgotten is Shubman Gill‘s top order contribution of 91 runs.

In pursuit of the 328-run target in the fourth innings, Gill established a solid foundation for India with his determined performance. His performance featured an array of fluid strokes, highlighted by eight boundaries and two sixes. He added 114 runs for the second wicket with Cheteshwar Pujara establishing a solid foundation for Rishabh Pant to come and attack against the Aussies later.

4. Motganhalli Jaisimha – 101 runs, 1968

Classical Indian middle-order batter Motganhalli Jaisimha achieved a remarkable century during the second innings of the 1968 Brisbane Test. Motganhalli's impressive innings of 101 runs propelled India to a total of 355 runs in their pursuit of a substantial target of 395 runs.

Jaisimha's performance featured a total of nine boundaries. He partnered with Chandu Borde to score 119 runs for the sixth wicket, which revitalized India's chances in the match; however, they ultimately fell short, losing by 39 runs.

3. Sunil Gavaskar – 113 runs, 1977

During India's 1977 tour of Australia, Sunil Gavaskar delivered an outstanding performance by scoring a remarkable century at the Gabba in Brisbane. In the opening Test of the series, Gavaskar played a brilliant knock of 113 runs.

In pursuit of a challenging target of 340 runs, Gavaskar's determined century propelled India to a total of 324 runs. Nevertheless, the visitors fell short in a thrilling match, losing by a mere 16 runs. Sunil’s knock came off just 264 balls and included 12 boundaries. He emerged as India’s leading run-scorer in the match, finishing with a total of 116 runs.

2. Murali Vijay – 144 runs, 2014

Murali Vijay delivered an outstanding performance for India during the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2014-15, scoring 144 runs in the first innings. Vijay's performance on the first day contributed significantly to India's impressive total of 408 runs in their first innings.

His innings of 144 runs from 213 deliveries featured 22 boundaries. Despite Murali's remarkable performance, India ultimately lost the match by four wickets. India allowed 505 runs in their first innings and subsequently scored only 224 runs in their second innings, establishing a target of 128 runs for the Australian team, which they successfully achieved with the loss of six wickets.

1. Saurav Ganguly – 144 runs, 2003

Saurav Ganguly, the former captain of the Indian cricket team, holds the record for the highest Test score by an Indian batter at the Gabba, having achieved a remarkable 144 runs against Australia in 2003.

Ganguly's century was achieved during the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2003. In response to Australia's first-innings score of 323 runs, Ganguly's century led India to a total of 409 runs. His impactful knock, which spanned 196 balls included 18 boundaries. The match ultimately ended in a draw.

Cover Credits - Times of India