The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) has long been one of the most fiercely contested and iconic Test series in the cricketing world. Pitting India against Australia, this series has showcased some of the greatest batting displays, with players rising to the challenge of facing off on challenging pitches—ranging from seaming tracks in Australia to spin-friendly surfaces in India.
Named after two cricketing legends, Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar, the series has been a platform for remarkable individual feats, with several players establishing their dominance over the years.
Top 10 highest run scorer of Border-Gavaskar Trophy
1. Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 3262 Runs
No surprise that the legendary Sachin Tendulkar tops the list of run-scorers in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Over the course of 34 matches between 1996 and 2013, Tendulkar accumulated 3262 runs at an average of 56.24. His tally includes 9 centuries and 16 half-centuries, with his highest score of 241* remaining his career-best in Test cricket. Despite his dominance, Tendulkar was dismissed for a duck on four occasions in the series.
2. Ricky Ponting (Australia) – 2555 Runs
Australian cricketing great Ricky Ponting is second on the list with 2555 runs from 29 Tests played between 1995 and 2012. Ponting’s remarkable average of 54.36 is supported by 8 centuries and 12 fifties, with a highest score of 257. Like his counterpart Tendulkar, Ponting was dismissed for a duck four times in the series.
3. VVS Laxman (India) – 2434 Runs
VVS Laxman had a special affinity for playing against Australia. In 29 Tests between 1998 and 2012, Laxman scored 2434 runs at an average of 49.67. Known for his elegant stroke play, Laxman’s most iconic knock came in 2001 when he scored 281 in Kolkata—one of the greatest innings in Test cricket history. Laxman also registered 6 centuries and 12 half-centuries in the rivalry.
4. Rahul Dravid (India) – 2143 Runs
Rahul “The Wall” Dravid was another key figure in India’s battles against Australia. Across 32 Tests between 1996 and 2012, Dravid scored 2143 runs at an average of just under 40. He managed 2 centuries, including a brilliant 233, and 13 half-centuries during this period. Dravid’s ability to hold one end and withstand pressure made him one of the most reliable batters in the series.
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5. Michael Clarke (Australia) – 2049 Runs
Former Australian captain Michael Clarke sits fifth with 2049 runs from 22 Tests played between 2004 and 2014. Clarke’s highest score of 329* makes him the only triple centurion in Border-Gavaskar history. He also registered 6 centuries and 7 half-centuries against India, finishing with an impressive average of 53.92.
6. Cheteshwar Pujara (India) – 2033 Runs
Cheteshwar Pujara, the architect of India’s historic 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar series win in Australia, has been one of the standout performers in recent editions of the rivalry. In 24 Tests from 2010 to 2023, Pujara scored 2033 runs at an average of 50.82. His 521 runs in the 2018-19 series remain a standout contribution, and he has 5 centuries and 11 fifties against Australia, with a highest score of 204.
7. Virat Kohli (India) – 1979 Runs
Virat Kohli has had tremendous success in Australia, making him one of the top run-scorers in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In 24 Tests between 2011 and 2023, Kohli has amassed 1979 runs at an average of 48.26. He has scored 8 centuries and 5 half-centuries, with a top score of 186. Kohli will undoubtedly aim to climb higher up the list in the upcoming series.
8. Matthew Hayden (Australia) – 1888 Runs
Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden was a dominant figure against India, particularly during his prime years. In 18 Tests between 2001 and 2008, Hayden scored 1888 runs at an outstanding average of 59. He made 6 centuries and 8 half-centuries, with his aggressive style causing plenty of headaches for Indian bowlers.
9. Steven Smith (Australia) – 1887 Runs
Steven Smith has been a vital cog in Australia’s batting lineup in recent years, and he has made an indelible mark in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In 18 Tests from 2013 to 2023, Smith has scored 1887 runs at a phenomenal average of 65.06. His record includes 8 centuries and 5 fifties, with his highest score being 192. Smith will be looking to add to his tally in the upcoming series.
10. Virender Sehwag (India) – 1738 Runs
Explosive former India opener Virender Sehwag is the 10th-highest run-scorer in the history of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Sehwag played 22 Tests against Australia, scoring 1738 runs at an average of 41.38. Known for his fearless approach, Sehwag scored 3 centuries and 9 fifties, with a highest score of 195. He was dismissed for a duck three times during his career.
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The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been the stage for some of the most thrilling and memorable performances in Test cricket, with these top 10 batsmen playing central roles in defining the rivalry. As the 2024-25 series approaches, eyes will undoubtedly be on these stalwarts, with some of them—like Virat Kohli and Steven Smith—looking to further cement their legacies. The series has not only produced unforgettable moments but has also highlighted the resilience, technique, and skill of these iconic cricketers.
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