Top five Indian batters with most runs in Melbourne in Test cricket

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is renowned as one of the premier cricket venues globally. Boasting a seating capacity exceeding 100,000, this iconic site annually hosts the eagerly awaited Boxing Day Test match.

The MCG pitch has experienced considerable transformation in recent years. Previously recognized for its favorable batting conditions, it has seen substantial modifications due to the implementation of drop-in pitches, resulting in a venue that now favors fast bowlers.

Although the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) poses its own unique challenges, several Indian batters have excelled at this well known venue, accumulating significant runs. 

In this article, let’s examine the top five Indian batters who have scored the most runs in Test cricket at Melbourne.

5. Rahul Dravid – 263 runs

Rahul Dravid is regarded as one of the finest Indian batters to have played the sport. He has an impressive record at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, having accumulated 263 runs across four Test matches at an average of 33, which includes two half-centuries.

Dravid’s best performance at the venue came in 2003, when he amassed 92 runs in the first innings to propel India to a total of 366 runs.

4. Virender Sehwag – 280 runs

Virender Sehwag, the former opener for India, accumulated a total of 280 runs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) with an impressive average of 70 in two Tests. Known for his aggressive batting style, Sehwag thrived on the consistent bounce offered by this particular venue.

His best performance at this venue came in 2003, when he dominated the Australian bowling lineup, amassing 195 runs off 233 balls. In the first innings of the 2011 Test match held here, he contributed 67 runs to India's total.

3. Virat Kohli – 316 runs

Former Indian captain Virat Kohli boasts an impressive record against Australia in all formats of the game. In Test cricket, he ranks as the second-highest run-scorer for India in matches against Australia.

Kohli has played in three Test matches at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, amassing a total of 316 runs with an average of 52.66. This performance includes one century and two half-centuries. His highest score at this venue came in 2014, when he scored 169 runs, contributing significantly to India's first innings total of 465 runs.

2. Ajinkya Rahane – 369 runs

Ajinkya Rahane, often overlooked among Indian batters of the last ten years, has performed exceptionally well at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Between 2014 and 2020, he participated in three Test matches at this venue, accumulating a total of 369 runs at an impressive average of 73.8, which includes two centuries.

Rahane smashed his highest individual score at this venue in 2014, where he scored 147 runs off 171 deliveries, forming a remarkable 262-run partnership with Virat Kohli for the fourth wicket. Perhaps his best overseas century also came at this venue when in the 2020 Test, his 112-run knock helped India win the Test.

1. Sachin Tendulkar – 449 runs

Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for the most runs at MCG in test cricket by an Indian batter. His total at this venue stands at 449 runs across five Test matches, achieving an average of 44.9, which includes one century and three half-centuries.

His only test ton in Melbourne came in 1999 when he scored a sensational 116 off 191 balls to steer India to a competitive total of 238 runs in the first innings.

Cover Credits - BCCI Official