Test cricket has always been a fascinating subject of discussion whether it was back in the 80s where the Caribbean giants treaded the earth or the modern-days where batters call the shots and finish the games in less than three days frequently. Amidst all the frenzy, all the evolutions and the crucial technical changes that the game has underwent, if there is one thing that has always stayed constant is the scoring of runs.
As the Indian batters failed to impress against New Zealand, losing out a home-series against New Zealand and losing their first home series in the last 12 years, here’s a quick reminder of the four Indian openers who have managed to score 1000 Test runs in a calendar year.
#1 Sunil Gavaskar (1976, 1978, 1979 and 1983)
Sunny G, the Master Blaster of Indian cricket always was a very special name to the country. He was deemed as one of the finest batters of his era and is often named alongside the greats of the game. He managed to rack up this incredible feat not once but for four years, including two back to back years in 1978 and 79.
#2 Virender Sehwag (2004, 2008, 2010)
Virender Sehwag is another brilliant striker of the ball and he had no fear whatsoever. The man would often whack and hammer away the bowlers at will and most importantly had a knack of being fearless, no matter the conditions, no matter the ask. He racked up 1000 test runs for three years which simply acts as an ode to his masterstroke.
#3 Gautam Gambhir (2008)
The current Indian coach also had a dream run during 2008 and 2009. In the earlier of those, he hammered 1000 Test runs as an opener, instilling hopes of another giant in the making for the opening slot. Gambhir’s brilliance did drift in and out of touch but his contributions to the Indian cricket team will always be a blessing.
#4 Yashasvi Jaiswal (2024*)
Indian Openers with 1000 Test runs in a Year
— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) October 25, 2024
Sunil Gavaskar (1976, 1978, 1979, 1983)
Virender Sehwag (2004, 2008, 2010)
Gautam Gambhir (2008)
Yashasvi Jaiswal (2024)*#INDvsNZ
It’s his second year in the Indian side and he is already making the ripples. He has 1000 runs already and keeps on adding to his tally. The hard-hitting southpaw added more to his credentials and can even add more with one Test against New Zealand and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy which is to be played from November.
