From Gavaskar to Rohit Sharma: 10 Top Indian Batting Performances at The Oval in Test Cricket History

Top Indian Batting Performances at The Oval: The Oval has been the venue to many of India’s most excellent batting displays in the grand Test history against England over the generations. From Sunil Gavaskar’s valiant 221 to Rohit Sharma’s elegant 127, Indian batters have etched their places into The Oval with their talent, determination and panache.

Here are some of the best Indian batting performances at The Oval that have immortalised themselves in Test cricet history.

Top Indian Batting Performances at The Oval

Vijay Merchant – 128 in 1946

Vijay Merchant really made a splash at The Oval as the first Indian batter to shine there. In the 1946 Test, his steady score of 128 runs in the first innings paved the way for other Indian stars to do well at this famous ground. Merchant’s innings was special because he played with such grace and restraint during India’s tours before it gained independence.

Sunil Gavaskar – 221 in 1979

Sunil Gavaskar‘s 221 in 443 balls during the second innings of the 1979 Oval Test is typically regarded as one of the best fourth-innings knocks in Test history. Chasing 438 for victory, Gavaskar almost took India over the line with a display of impeccable technique and temperament, assisting India to 429/8 before the match was drawn in nail-biting fashion.

Ravi Shastri – 187 in 1990

Before Rahul Dravid was known as The Wall, Ravi Shastri showed his toughness with a hard-fought 187 from 436 balls in the 1990 Oval Test. Opening the batting, he annoyed the English bowlers with strong defense and resolve, which helped India build a big first innings.

Also Read: 5 Fascinating Facts About Lord’s Cricket Ground Every Fan Must Know

Kapil Dev – 110 at No. 8 in 1990

Batting at No. 8, Kapil Dev played in his usual style with an aggressive 110 off 142 balls, backing up Shastri’s innings. It has now become a classic Kapil innings—quick, brute, and ruthless. His counter- attack enabled India to get to a decent first innings score.

Rahul Dravid – 217 in 2002 & 146* in 2011

Rahul Dravid stands alone as the only Indian batter with two Test centuries at The Oval. Back in 2002, he scored 217 runs off 629 balls, which was a long effort that helped India save the Test. Then, in 2011, he was unbeaten with 146 runs off 378 balls, he was still there at the crease while wickets were falling all around him. These two innings really show how tough and determined Dravid was.

Anil Kumble – 110* in 2007

Anil Kumble’s career will be best remembered for the one Test in the middle of a long a successful career that the legendary spinner scored his first Test Century at The Oval in 2007, when he remained not out on 110. This performance not only gave India a massive first innings score, but also set up a famous series win in England.

KL Rahul – 149 in 2018

Back in 2018 at the Oval Test, KL Rahul really showed what he could do, smashing 149 off 224 balls in the second innings. His batting gave India a shot at winning, but then the batting fell apart and crush the dream. Still, the way Rahul hit the ball was great to watch.

Rishabh Pant – 114 in 2018

In the same match that occurred in 2018, Rishabh Pant announced his arrival with his first Test century and a courageous 114 from 146 balls. Batting aggressively and with style, Pant attacked the England bowlers with confidence and showed the early signs of the attacking brand of cricket India was going to adopt.

Rohit Sharma – 127 in 2021

Rohit Sharma had a lot of people questioning his performance outside of India, but he answered them in style with a brilliant 127 from 256 balls at The Oval in September 2021. His innings was patient, classy, and showed great maturity. It really set the stage for India’s second innings lead, helping them get ahead 2-1 in the series before the last Test was postponed.

here is the Top Indian Batting Performances at The Oval, in the 5th test match which is held on the Kingston Oval, the pitch is difficult and Indian Batter Karun Nair is unbeaten on 52 runs, can he become the centurion and mention his name in the record book?