Only three Indian cricketers Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar have scored over 10,000 runs in Test cricket. Despite India’s rich history of batting legends, four iconic Indian players had remarkable Test careers but retired without reaching this milestone. This article highlights those four legends who fell short of the 10,000-run mark.
Sourav Ganguly – 7,212 Runs
Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly was a prolific scorer, finishing his ODI career with 11,363 runs. However, in Test cricket, he fell short of the 10,000-run milestone. Between 1996 and 2008, Ganguly played 113 Tests for India. He made an instant impact by scoring a century on debut at Lord’s and followed it up with hundreds in his first two matches.
He amassed 7,212 runs at an average of 42.17, with a highest score of 239. His record includes 16 centuries and 35 half-centuries.
Virender Sehwag – 8,503 Runs
Known for his aggressive batting style, Virender Sehwag was a fearsome opener who never backed down from attacking. Though he didn’t reach 10,000 runs in Tests or ODIs, he is one of only four players with two triple centuries in Test cricket.
Sehwag debuted in 2001 with a century and played 104 Tests until 2013, scoring 8,503 runs at an average of 49.34, with a highest score of 319. He recorded 23 centuries and 32 half-centuries.
VVS Laxman – 8,781 Runs
One of India’s most elegant and crucial middle-order batsmen, VVS Laxman played a key role for the team through the 2000s and early 2010s. His innings of 281 while following on remains one of the greatest in Test history.
Between 1996 and 2012, Laxman played 134 Tests, scoring 8,781 runs at an average of 45.97, including 17 centuries and 56 half-centuries.
Virat Kohli – 9,230 Runs
Virat Kohli’s unexpected retirement on May 12, 2025, shocked the cricket world. India’s finest Test captain to date, he finished just 770 runs shy of the 10,000-run mark.
Kohli played 123 Tests between 2011 and 2025, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, with a highest score of 254*. He registered 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. As a modern cricketing legend, his remarkable achievements place him at the top of this distinguished list.
