NEW DELHI: India-New Zealand Test cricket encounters have produced several memorable knocks in India, showcasing the batting prowess of both teams.
These innings have not only shaped key India-New Zealand Test encounters but have also highlighted the skill and resilience of players from both teams.
Here are some of the standout Test innings played on Indian soil in India-New Zealand cricket rivalry:
Rahul Dravid – 222, Ahmedabad (2003)
Rahul Dravid’s 222 at the Motera in Ahmedabad was a classic example of his technical mastery and patience.This was a batting marathon led by the class of Dravid, who was at the peak of his batting prowess at the time.
The trend was to bat first after winning the toss, pile up a big score and let the Indian spinners take advantage of the crumbling surfaces to bowl out the opposition. Indian captain Sourav Ganguly did just that and a Dravid masterclass followed. The India No. 3 brought up his century on Day 1 and the double on Day 2. VVS Laxman scored 64 and then Ganguly scored an unbeaten 100 to declare at 500/5.
Nathan Astle led the Kiwis’ reply with a 103-run knock supported by Craig McMillan’s 54 and Daniel Vettori’s 60 to take the visitors to 340. Zaheer Khan took 4 wickets, but the Kiwis did well enough to frustrate both Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh who could only take 2 wickets each.
Dravid again finished as India’s top run-scorer with a 73-run knock in the second innings. Laxman hit 44 as India declared at 209/6 to set the Kiwis a 370-run target. New Zealand opener Lou Vincent hit 67, but it was Craig McMillan (83*) and Astle (51*) who fought out a draw despite Kumble taking four wickets, as the Kiwis finished at 272/6.
Despite the draw, Dravid’s monumental 222 remains one of his most memorable knocks. This innings epitomised his resilience, concentration, and mastery of Test cricket.
Dravid’s innings was characterised by his trademark patience, solid defense, and ability to grind down the Kiwi bowlers. He played the New Zealand spinners and fast bowlers with equal ease, picking up singles and punishing bad deliveries to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Dravid’s double century was the backbone of India’s first-innings total of 500. His effort ensured that India did not fall behind too far in the game, eventually leading to a draw.
Sachin Tendulkar – 217, Ahmedabad (1999)
Sachin Tendulkar’s monumental 217 against New Zealand in Ahmedabad during the 1999 Test series was a masterclass in batting under pressure and one of his most significant innings in Test cricket.
This was Sachin Tendulkar’s maiden double century in Test cricket and a masterclass in resilience and determination. India were 102/2 when Tendulkar arrived at the crease.
Tendulkar, who was the captain at the time, led from the front with a massive double century and his innings was a perfect blend of patience, resilience, and masterful stroke play. Known for his aggressive and dynamic style, Tendulkar curbed his natural attacking instincts and focused on playing a long innings.
Tendulkar’s innings was marked by technical perfection, as he dealt with the New Zealand bowlers with precision. He carefully played out the dangerous deliveries, especially from Daniel Vettori, who was the key spinner for New Zealand. Tendulkar’s innings was patient, yet he was quick to capitalise on any loose deliveries, finding boundaries at regular intervals.
While Tendulkar is known for his aggressive strokes, in this innings, he played within himself, knowing that the situation demanded a more measured approach. His mental discipline was on full display as he played out long periods of play without losing focus.
As the captain of the team, Tendulkar was under immense pressure to deliver and his 217 showed his leadership qualities, where he led from the front when the team needed him the most and enabled India to draw the Test and win the three-match series 1-0
This double century is often regarded as one of Tendulkar’s most disciplined and technically sound innings in Test cricket. His ability to control the game, adapt to the conditions, and outlast the bowlers highlighted his mastery of the longest format.
Tendulkar’s 217 in Ahmedabad was not only a great individual achievement but also a defining moment in the India-New Zealand Test rivalry and remains one of the most memorable knocks of his illustrious career.
Virat Kohli – 211, Indore (2016)
Virat Kohli’s majestic 211 against New Zealand at the Holkar Stadium in Indore during the third Test of the 2016 series was one of his finest innings in Test cricket and helped India secure a 3-0 series whitewash. This knock highlighted Kohli’s growing stature as a dominant Test batter and captain.
India had already won the first two Tests of the three-match series and were looking for a clean sweep against New Zealand. Kohli’s form had been consistent, but this innings took him to new heights. India batted first in the third Test after winning the toss, and Kohli came in when India were 60/2. New Zealand’s bowlers were looking to make early inroads, but Kohli had other plans.
Kohli crafted a classic double century, showcasing his ability to bat long, build an innings, and shift gears effortlessly when required. His innings was an exhibition of focus, fitness, and sublime stroke play, combining aggression with technical precision.
Kohli’s partnership with Ajinkya Rahane (who scored 188) was the highlight of the match. The duo put on a mammoth 365-run stand for the fourth wicket, which put India in a commanding position. Their partnership was built on Kohli’s aggressive, authoritative strokes and Rahane’s elegant stroke play, complementing each other perfectly.
Kohli played with controlled aggression, picking the right moments to attack. He displayed an excellent range of shots, especially his drives through the covers and flicks through the leg side.
Kohli’s ability to maintain concentration and his physical fitness were evident in this innings, as he batted for nearly 9 hours without showing any signs of fatigue.
Kohli’s leadership shone through this innings, as he led by example with both the bat and in field settings later on. His ability to dominate and control the game as a captain was becoming a hallmark of his leadership style.
Kohli played the New Zealand spinners, especially Mitchell Santner and Jeetan Patel, with ease, using his feet well to neutralize their threat and scoring freely against them.
Kohli’s 211 helped India post a massive total of 557/5 declared. This gave India a commanding position in the match, forcing New Zealand to play catch-up.
India went on to win the match by 321 runs, with Kohli’s double century laying the foundation for a dominant victory. This victory completed a 3-0 series whitewash over New Zealand.
Kohli’s 211 against New Zealand in Indore was a hallmark innings of his Test career, showcasing his maturity as a batsman and leader, and it played a key role in India’s dominance over New Zealand in that series.
Brendon McCullum – 225, Hyderabad (2010)
Brendon McCullum’s top three knocks in his Test career came against India. His first double hundred in Test cricket came against India in Hyderabad in November 2010. On India’s tour to New Zealand in 2014, McCullum smashed 224 in Auckland and followed it up with 302 in Wellington.
McCullum’s 225 in the second Test of the 2010 series was a fighting knock that helped New Zealand salvage a draw. Batting in the second innings, McCullum batted for over 10 hours, facing 308 deliveries in a display of determination and grit against India’s formidable bowling attack. His knock was key to New Zealand saving the match and avoiding defeat.
McCullum’s marathon knock showcased his immense mental toughness and resilience. This innings was instrumental in helping New Zealand save the match and avoid defeat in a hard-fought series.
This was the second Test of the three-match series and after India posted 472 in their first innings, the Kiwis were under pressure to avoid a defeat and stay alive in the series. McCullum delivered a monumental innings that helped New Zealand bat for almost two full days to save the match.
McCullum’s knock was a gritty, determined, and marathon innings. Known for his aggressive style of play, McCullum showcased a different side of his game in this innings. He batted with immense patience, curbing his natural attacking instincts to grind down the Indian bowling attack.
McCullum was the backbone of New Zealand’s second innings and his knock was not just about defense; it also included controlled aggression. He played some exquisite strokes, including his trademark lofted shots and drives. However, what stood out was his ability to defend and bat for long periods, which was unusual for someone who was typically known for his aggressive mindset.
McCullum’s innings was a masterclass in adapting to the conditions. The pitch in Hyderabad offered some assistance to Indian spinners like Harbhajan Singh and Pragyan Ojha, but McCullum tackled them with excellent footwork and patience. His ability to rotate the strike and take calculated risks helped keep the pressure off New Zealand.
New Zealand had found themselves under pressure after India’s big first-innings total. McCullum’s knock ensured that New Zealand didn’t collapse and put India in a position to force a win. His double century helped New Zealand reach 448 in their second innings, effectively batting India out of the game and securing a crucial draw.
McCullum’s innings lasted for 544 minutes (over 10 hours), a testament to his concentration and mental stamina. His ability to withstand India’s spin and seam attack was remarkable, as he fought through several tough phases of the match.
This innings showed McCullum’s versatility as a Test player. Although he is widely known for his attacking style, this innings highlighted his ability to dig in and play a long, match-saving knock. His 225 was the highest score by a New Zealand batsman in India at the time.
McCullum’s innings epitomized New Zealand’s fighting spirit during the series. Though they were outmatched in many aspects, McCullum’s grit and determination ensured that New Zealand could compete and avoid a series defeat.
McCullum’s 225 against India in Hyderabad remains one of the most memorable innings of his Test career, not only for its sheer volume but also for the manner in which he ground out a result for his team in difficult circumstances.
