Top Run-Scorers in Tests at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai (Photo Source: Twitter)
Chennai’s prime venue M.A. Chidambaram Stadium has long been considered for cricketing excellence, particularly in the Test format. The ground’s unique character, with its spin-friendly wicket and knowledgeable crowd, has seen many a cricketing legend take up the challenge. Despite the tough conditions that often favor the spinners, a selected few Indian batters have managed to conquer this fortress, registering their names in history books.
Interestingly only five batters have surpassed the 500-run mark at this iconic Chepauk track in Test cricket. Furthermore, only a single batter has breached the coveted 1000-run mark. The top three run-scorers at Chennai in Tests have all hung up their boots. Clearly, scoring runs consistently at Chennai in Test cricket is not a cakewalk. It requires immense determination, and the ability to read the game well.
Here are the Most individual runs scored in Test cricket at Chennai:
3. Gundappa Viswanath (785 runs)
The legendary Indian batter, Gundappa Viswanath, produced some incredible performances at Chennai’s Chepauk stadium, especially in the longest format of the game. The 75-year-old’s record remains impressive, scoring 785 runs in 17 innings across 10 Tests, including two centuries and three fifties at a strike rate of 48.88.
Also Check: Top 3 iconic Test matches at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai
Viswanath’s best achievement at Chepauk came in 1982 against England. In the fifth Test, he registered his career-best score of 222, featuring 31 boundaries during his 374-ball stay. This innings proved crucial, securing a draw that helped India clinch the six-match series 1-0. His performances at Chepauk weren’t just about numbers, but his ability to dominate world-class bowling attacks. Viswanath’s strokeplay and match-winning knock made him one of India’s finest batters.
2. Sachin Tendulkar (970 runs)
Batting records are synonymous with the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, and the former sits comfortably in the second position in this elite list. The Mumbai-born holds an impressive record at Chennai’s cricket ground. In 10 Test matches, he scored 970 runs across 16 innings, including two fifties and five centuries. His performances at this renowned venue are particularly special to both Tendulkar and Indian cricket fans.
Also Check: Top 3 knocks of Virat Kohli at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai
The Chepauk surface witnessed some of Sachin’s most memorable moments. It’s where he scored his first Test century on home soil, which was also his fifth overall. At just 19, he achieved his highest score of 165 runs against England in 1993. Interestingly, in what could be deemed a co-incidence, his final century at this ground came in 2008, also against England. It is worth mentioning that his record is even more remarkable in Chennai as four of his five hundreds at Chennai, contributed to memorable Indian victories. The fifth, arguably his best, nearly led to an almost impossible win for Team India single-handedly.
1. Sunil Gavaskar (1,018 runs)
One of cricket’s greatest opening batter, Sunil Gavaskar, holds a unique record at Chennai’s challenging pitch. He’s the sole batter to surpass 1,000 runs at this venue, scoring 1,018 runs in 21 innings across 12 Test matches, with an impressive average of 59.88. His Chennai record includes three centuries and three fifties. Notably, Gavaskar’s career-best Test score of 236 not out was achieved in Chennai during the 1983 series against West Indies. His marathon knock, which lasted 644 minutes and 425 balls, was then the highest score by an Indian batter.
Also Check: Top 3 Wicket-Takers in Tests at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
It came in the sixth and final match of the series, which ended in a draw despite India losing the series 3-0. Meanwhile, Gavaskar was the first to reach 10,000 Test runs, a record later broken by Allan Border. His 34 Test centuries record stood unmatched for nearly two decades.