Players with Most Centuries in India vs England Test Series

The historic India vs England Test series is one of cricket’s oldest and most celebrated rivalries. From India’s first Test match at Lord’s in 1932 to the modern battles of spin and seam across both nations, the contest has always brought out the best in players. Batters, in particular, have risen to the occasion to etch their names into history with unforgettable centuries.

Scoring a century in any Test is a notable achievement—but doing so consistently against top-class opposition across different series elevates a cricketer to elite status. In this blog, we take a closer look at the players with the most centuries in the India vs England Test series, celebrating their consistency, class, and dominance in this enduring cricket rivalry.

1. Joe Root (England) – 9 Centuries

When it comes to recent dominance in the India vs England Test series, Joe Root leads the pack. The former England captain has been a thorn in India’s side with the bat. Across both home and away series, Root has scored 9 Test centuries against India (as of 2024), including some memorable knocks in challenging conditions.

One of his finest came during the 2021 tour of India, where he scored a double century (218) in his 100th Test in Chennai. He also registered centuries during the 2021 England leg and in earlier series dating back to 2014. Root’s technique, adaptability, and hunger for runs make him a modern-day master and the player with the most centuries in India vs England Test series history.

2. Sunil Gavaskar (India) – 8 Centuries

India’s first batting icon in Test cricket, Sunil Gavaskar, was at his best against England. Known for his rock-solid technique and calm temperament, Gavaskar scored 8 centuries against England during his illustrious career.

Perhaps his most memorable knock came in 1979 at The Oval, where he scored a magnificent 221 while chasing 438 in the fourth innings—a near-historic effort that ended in a draw. Gavaskar’s ability to score big runs in England and India alike cemented his reputation as one of the top Indian batters in India vs England Test series.

3. Alastair Cook (England) – 7 Centuries

Former England skipper Alastair Cook was known for his patience and flawless technique. Against India, he was particularly prolific, scoring 7 Test centuries during his career. His career-best innings of 294 came against India at Edgbaston in 2011, where he dominated the bowling with relentless precision.

Cook’s consistency across multiple India vs England encounters, both home and away, made him one of the most successful England batters in India vs England Test history. His contributions were crucial in England’s famous 2-1 series win in India in 2012, where he scored three centuries.

4. Rahul Dravid (India) – 6 Centuries

Rahul Dravid, affectionately known as "The Wall", was a master technician and a run-machine in Tests. Against England, Dravid was always dependable and piled on 6 centuries during his career.

His standout performance came during the 2002 tour of England, where he scored three centuries, including a commanding 148 at Headingley and a 217 at The Oval. These innings played a vital role in India drawing the series. Dravid's ability to bat for long hours and adapt to English conditions make him one of the best Indian century-makers in India vs England Test series.

5. Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 7 Centuries

The "Master Blaster" Sachin Tendulkar had a legendary career filled with records, and he made a significant mark in the India vs England Test series as well. With 7 centuries, Tendulkar delivered on both English and Indian soil.

His first century at Old Trafford in 1990 (119*) at just 17 years old announced his arrival on the international stage. Another memorable century came at Chennai in 2008, where his unbeaten 103 led India to an emotional win just weeks after the Mumbai terror attacks. Tendulkar's grace, timing, and ability to perform under pressure made him a true legend of this rivalry.

Check Out:- Indian Captains Who Won Test Series In England

6. Kevin Pietersen (England) – 6 Centuries

Flamboyant, fearless, and often controversial, Kevin Pietersen was one of England’s most entertaining batters. Against India, he thrived in big moments, scoring 6 centuries, including one of the finest ever by a foreign batter in India—his breathtaking 186 in Mumbai during the 2012 series.

Pietersen’s explosive stroke play and dominant mindset allowed him to counter Indian spinners with ease, helping England clinch their first Test series win in India in nearly three decades. His record makes him one of the top England century-scorers in IND vs ENG Test cricket.

7. Virat Kohli (India) – 5 Centuries

Modern-day great Virat Kohli has delivered some of his most mature and determined knocks against England. With 5 centuries to his name in India vs England Tests, Kohli’s 2018 performance in England stands out. After struggling in 2014, Kohli made a phenomenal comeback with 593 runs in five Tests, including two centuries.

His 149 at Edgbaston was a statement innings that shut down critics and showcased his improvement in handling English conditions. Kohli's passion and hunger for runs make him one of the best century-makers in India vs England Test series in the last decade.

Why These Centuries Matter

Scoring a Test century is about more than just numbers—it’s about timing, conditions, and mental strength. In the India vs England Test series, centuries have often come with added pressure: overseas tours, spinning tracks, overcast skies, or even series-defining moments. The players on this list have shown not just technical mastery but incredible mental toughness to rise above challenges.

From Gooch’s triple ton to Dravid’s gritty double centuries, from Kohli’s redemption tour to Root’s captaincy-defining hundreds—these centuries have shaped the outcomes of entire series and left fans with memories that last a lifetime.

Final Thoughts

The players with most centuries in the India vs England Test series are a testament to the rich legacy of this cricketing rivalry. These batters didn’t just accumulate runs—they crafted innings that told stories of endurance, flair, and fight.

As the two cricketing giants continue to clash in the future, new heroes will emerge, but the legends who scored the most hundreds will forever remain etched in history. Their centuries were not just personal milestones—they were turning points in a timeless battle between two proud cricketing nations.

Check Out:- Sanju Samson Career Stats & Overview