Top Five Batters With Most Test Centuries Against India Ft. Joe Root

Joe Root now holds the record for most Test hundreds against India, scoring 10 centuries in just 52 innings.

Root's consistency and class have elevated him to an elite level, and his numbers continue to grow with each series.

Source : PTI

England’s star batter Joe Root recently overtook Steve Smith to claim the top spot for the most Test centuries scored against India. With 10 centuries to his name, Root now leads the all-time list—followed closely by Smith—while legendary players from the West Indies and Australia round out the top five.

Batters with Most Test Centuries vs India

1. Joe Root (ENG) – 10 centuries, 52 innings, 2012–2024

2. Steve Smith (AUS) – 9–11* centuries, approx. 37–46 innings, 2012–Present

3. Garry Sobers (WI) – 8 centuries, approx. 30 innings, 1958–1971

4. Vivian Richards (WI) – 8 centuries, approx. 41 innings, 1974–1989

5. Ricky Ponting (AUS) – 8 centuries, approx. 51 innings, 1996–2012

*Smith held 10 centuries but may have extended it to 11 in recent matches.

Joe Root – England’s India Specialist

Joe Root now holds the record for most Test hundreds against India, scoring 10 centuries in just 52 innings.

His overall run tally against India stands at an impressive 2,725 runs, averaging close to 59.23. His consistency and class have elevated him to an elite level, and his numbers continue to grow with each series.

Steve Smith – The Aussie Maestro

Australia’s Steve Smith, a long-time nemesis for Indian bowlers, has also delivered several impactful performances against India. He has 9 to 11 centuries depending on updates, scored across approximately 37 to 46 innings. His technique, patience, and hunger for big runs have kept him among the best Test batters of this era.

Caribbean Legends & Ricky Ponting’s Legacy

Garry Sobers, the West Indies legend, scored 8 centuries in roughly 30 innings, totaling 1,920 runs at a staggering average of 83.47 against India. Viv Richards, another Caribbean great, also hit 8 centuries in around 41 innings, maintaining an average of 50.71.

Meanwhile, Australian icon Ricky Ponting scored 8 centuries in 51 innings, piling up 2,555 runs at an average of 54.36. His battles with India were marked by dominance and aggression.

Why This List Matters

Scoring Test centuries against India is considered a significant achievement due to their strong bowling line-ups and challenging conditions, especially at home.

The fact that modern-day players like Joe Root and Steve Smith have climbed ahead of legends like Sobers, Richards, and Ponting highlights their exceptional consistency, adaptability, and skill under pressure.