Every Indian batter who scored a Boxing-Day test ton: Rahane and Rahul and more

The Boxing-Day Test, which started from the year 1950, will be played between Australia and India from 26th December. Every year on the day after Christmas, Australia organizes this Test in Melbourne. This time Australia will compete with Team India. India has been a part of the Boxing-Day Test since 1985. Over the years, nine Indian batters have achieved this feat, collectively amassing 12 centuries in this Tests. Notable among them are Sachin Tendulkar, KL Rahul, and Ajinkya Rahane, who have each scored two Boxing-Day Test tons. 

Also Read: Boxing Day Test: Indian camp fumes over quality of practice pitches at MCG

Let's take a look at every Indian batter who scored a Boxing-Day test ton.

1# Dilip Vengsarkar (1987)

In the year 1987, Dilip Vengsarkar played an inning of 102 runs in the Boxing Day Test played against a formidable West Indies attack at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. He was the first Indian to achieve this milestone. This test match ended in a draw. Vengsarkar retired hurt after scoring a century.

2# Kapil Dev (1992)

The third test match played on the tour of South Africa in 1992 was the Boxing Day Test match. In this match, legendary captain and all-rounder Kapil Dev played an inning of 129 runs in the second innings at St George's Park in Gqeberha. South Africa was successful in winning this test match by 9 wickets.

3# Mohammad Azharuddin (1998)

The former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin scored a century in the Boxing Day Test played against New Zealand in 1998. Azhar had played an unbeaten inning of 103 runs in the first innings at Basin Reserve in Wellington. New Zealand won this test match by 4 wickets.

4# Sachin Tendulkar (1998, 1999)

Batting masterclass Sachin Tendulkar is the first Indian cricketer to score two centuries in Boxing Day Tests. The right-handed batter played an inning of 113 runs during India's second innings in the second Test match against New Zealand in Wellington in 1998. New Zealand was successful in winning this match. 

After this, Tendulkar played an inning of 116 runs in the Boxing Day Test match against Australia in 1999 in Melbourne. Australia was successful in winning this match by 180 runs.

5# Virender Sehwag (2003)

Devastating India opener Virender Sehwag holds the record for the highest score by an Indian batter in the Boxing Day Test. In the year 2003, Sehwag played a brilliant inning of 195 runs in the Boxing Day Test played at Melbourne Cricket Ground against Australia.

However, Australia was successful in winning this test match by 9 wickets.

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6# Virat Kohli (2014)

Virat Kohli, the leader of the Fab 4 in Test cricket, displayed his tremendous batting prowess against Australia in the 2014 Boxing Day Test. He played an inning of 169 runs at Melbourne Cricket Ground. The match was drawn.

7# Ajinkya Rahane (2014, 2020)

Ajinkya Rahane is the second Indian player to score two centuries in a Boxing Day Test. He made 147 against Australia at the  Melbourne Cricket Ground in 2014. Apart from this, Rahane had played an inning of 112 runs against the same side at the same venue in 2020.

The Indian team was successful in winning this match by 8 wickets.

8# Cheteshwar Pujara (2018)

India's Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara scored a valiant hundred against Australia in the 2018 Boxing Day Test. The right-hander smashed 106 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. India won this match by 137 runs.

9# KL Rahul (2021, 2023)

KL Rahul is the third Indian batter to score two centuries on this significant day. The wicket-keeper batter smashed 102 against South Africa in Centurion in 2021 and made 101 against the same side at the same venue in 2023. 

His latest century would be one of his best in the longer format as it helped put India in a safe position after a top-order collapse in the first innings.