Top 5 Partnerships in Indian Test History

Test cricket is often about individual brilliance, but the game’s soul lies in partnerships. Whether it’s weathering a fiery pace attack or building a platform for a big total, partnerships are the backbone of any successful Test innings. For India, a country that has produced some of the finest batters in the history of the game, partnerships have played a key role in turning matches around and scripting famous wins.

In this article, we dive deep into the Top 5 partnerships in Indian Test history—moments when two batters stood tall, batted long, and left an unforgettable mark on the game.

1. VVS Laxman & Rahul Dravid – 376 Runs vs Australia, Kolkata 2001

This is not just the best partnership in Indian cricket history, it is one of the greatest in the history of Test cricket. India was following on in the second innings of the 2001 Kolkata Test against the mighty Australians. Facing certain defeat, VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid added 376 runs for the fifth wicket.

Laxman scored a magical 281 while Dravid made a gritty 180. Their partnership didn’t just save the match—it helped India win it. This victory ended Australia’s 16-match winning streak and sparked one of India’s most iconic series triumphs.

2. Virat Kohli & Ajinkya Rahane – 365 Runs vs New Zealand, Indore 2016

One of the finest partnerships of the modern era came in 2016 during the Indore Test against New Zealand. India was already in control of the series, but this 365-run stand between Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane for the fourth wicket showcased pure dominance.

Kohli scored a double century (211), and Rahane added 188. Their partnership laid the foundation for a massive total and ensured a series whitewash. It was a masterclass in how to build Test innings patiently and then accelerate.

This partnership is remembered not just for the runs but for the control and calmness both batters showed against a disciplined Kiwi bowling attack.

3. Sachin Tendulkar & VVS Laxman – 353 Runs vs Australia, Sydney 2004

India’s tour of Australia in 2003–04 was a high point for Indian cricket abroad. One of the highlights of the series was the 353-run partnership between Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Tendulkar was determined to make a statement after a quiet series and ended up scoring an unbeaten 241. Laxman, who always seemed to thrive against Australia, contributed a fluent 178. Their partnership helped India post a huge total of 705/7 declared, the second-highest team total in Indian Test history.

This stand was a symbol of temperament, resilience, and strokeplay—making it one of the top 5 partnerships in Indian Test history.

4. Rahul Dravid & Virender Sehwag – 410 Runs vs Pakistan, Lahore 2006

When India toured Pakistan in 2006, it resulted in some of the most memorable batting performances by the team. In the Lahore Test, Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid put on 410 runs for the first wicket.

Sehwag scored a breathtaking 254 off just 247 balls, while Dravid contributed a calm and composed 128*. Their partnership laid the foundation for a mammoth total of 410/1 declared in just 79 overs—one of the most attacking batting displays in Test cricket history.

This partnership perfectly highlighted the contrasting styles of both players—Sehwag’s fearless aggression and Dravid’s classical solidity.

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5. Murali Vijay & Cheteshwar Pujara – 370 Runs vs Australia, Hyderabad 2013

Not all great partnerships come with big names. In the 2013 series against Australia at home, Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara combined for a 370-run stand for the second wicket in the Hyderabad Test.

Pujara scored 204 while Vijay made 167. Their partnership helped India dominate the Aussies and win the match by an innings. It was a showcase of concentration, technique, and temperament. Both batters soaked up pressure early and then batted Australia out of the match.

This partnership is often underrated but deserves to be remembered as one of the top 5 partnerships in Indian Test history, especially for how it laid the foundation for a 4-0 series win.

Honourable Mentions

While the above five make the main list, several other memorable stands deserve a mention:

• Sachin Tendulkar & Mohammad Azharuddin – 222 vs South Africa (1996) A brilliant counter-attack against a fierce pace attack at Cape Town.

• Cheteshwar Pujara & Ajinkya Rahane – 222 vs Australia (2021) A crucial partnership in the historic Gabba Test that helped India win a famous series.

• MS Dhoni & VVS Laxman – 259 vs South Africa (2010) A game-saving stand in the final Test of the series in Kolkata.

Why Partnerships Matter in Test Cricket

In Test cricket, one great knock can inspire a moment, but partnerships win matches. They:

• Help teams recover from tricky situations.

• Demoralize the opposition with long stands.

• Set up match-defining totals.

• Reflect trust and communication between players.

India’s best Test moments have often revolved around strong partnerships—whether at home or away. These innings speak to the team spirit and mental toughness that define great Test sides.

Conclusion

The beauty of Test cricket lies in the patience, the grind, and the partnerships that develop over hours and days. These top 5 partnerships in Indian Test history are more than just runs—they are stories of resilience, understanding, and cricketing brilliance.

From Laxman and Dravid's historic stand to Kohli and Rahane’s modern-era dominance, Indian Test cricket has been blessed with batters who’ve risen together under pressure. As India continues its Test journey, new partnerships will surely be formed, but these legendary stands will always hold a special place in the hearts of cricket fans.

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