Sachin Tendulkar is often celebrated as the finest Indian batsman, known for his 100 international centuries and over 34,000 runs. Despite these monumental achievements, when it comes to batting average in Test cricket, Sachin isn’t even in the top 5 Indian batsmen. His career average of 53.78 places him 10th on this list. Let’s take a closer look at the unexpected leaders who have managed higher Test averages than the “Master Blaster.”
Ishan Kishan Tops the List
At the top of the list is Ishan Kishan with a stunning batting average of 78.00. Ishan, who played just 2 Test matches in 2023, remained unbeaten in 2 out of 3 innings, giving his average a significant boost. Though he is not currently part of the Indian Test squad, his performance in the limited outings he had keeps him ahead of legends like Sachin Tendulkar.
Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel Among the Top 3
Next on the list is Devdutt Padikkal, who holds an average of 65.00 from a single Test inning in which he scored 65 runs. Dhruv Jurel follows closely with an average of 63.33, having scored 190 runs in 4 innings across 3 Test matches. Their limited appearances and impressive performances have catapulted them to the top of this list.
Karun Nair and Washington Sundar Make the Cut
Coming in at fourth is Karun Nair with an average of 62.33. Nair famously hit a triple century against England in 2016, though his overall Test career was brief. Washington Sundar, known for his all-round performance, is ranked fifth with an average of 60.80 after scoring 304 runs in 8 innings, often staying unbeaten.
Where Does Sachin Tendulkar Rank?
Sachin Tendulkar, who amassed 15,921 runs in Test cricket, has an average of 53.78, placing him 10th among Indian batsmen. Just ahead of him is Vinod Kambli with an average of 54.20. Other surprising names on the list include Roshan Shodhan (60.33), Yashasvi Jaiswal (59.65), and R. Ramaswamy (56.66).
Dravid, Kohli, and Rohit Lag Behind
Rahul Dravid follows Sachin with an average of 52.63, while Sunil Gavaskar is just behind with 51.12. Both legends are outside the top 10. Interestingly, Virat Kohli, once known for his consistency, has seen his Test average dip to 48.31 in recent years, placing him at 15th. Rohit Sharma, with an average of 42.83, ranks 25th on the list, far from the top 20.
How is Batting Average Calculated?
Batting average in cricket is calculated by dividing a player’s total runs by the number of times they were dismissed. If a batsman remains unbeaten in several innings, it boosts their average significantly. For example, if a player scores 500 runs in 10 innings but remains not out 5 times, their average will be 100, as only the innings where they were dismissed are considered.
This list highlights some lesser-known cricketers with impressive averages, showcasing the unpredictability of cricket stats. While Tendulkar’s records remain legendary, it’s clear that batting average alone doesn’t tell the entire story of a player’s greatness.
