Border Gavaskar Trophy: Top non-retired run-scorers like Pujara, Kohli, and Smith shine in the epic India vs Australia Test rivalry. See the full list here!
The Border Gavaskar Trophy is one of the greatest Test series in cricket and has witnessed some of the finest classic encounters between India and Australia. The series has all the skills of stiff competition at every stage and boasts spectacular batting performances. Here's the top five run-scorers from among the non-retired players in this most prestigious series.
Top 5 Run-Scorers in Border Gavaskar Trophy (Non-Retired Players)
1. Cheteshwar Pujara – 2033 Runs (Average: 50)
Border Gavaskar Trophy
India's "Wall 2.0"
This is India's Cheteshwar Pujara, who has headed the list with 2033 runs at an average of 50 in the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Famous for grinding bowlers down, he has been one of the biggest assets to the team. Most memorable innings are that 521-ball marathon against Australia in 2018-19, contributions from him were key in India's historic series victory.
2. Virat Kohli – 1979 Runs (Average: 48)
Virat Kohli, considered one of the greatest Test batsmen in this generation, is the second to top the list with 1979 runs for the series with a robust average of 48. He has been a nightmare for the Aussies from the iconic hundred on a hot Perth pitch in 2012 to his match-winning performances in India, for Kohli's aggression and consistency have made him a standout player across all the series played against the Aussies.
3. Steven Smith – 1887 Runs (Average: 65)
Steven Smith of Australia is at the third spot amongst all non-retired players with an impressive average of 65. Some memorable match-winning knocks and a notable twin century in Pune during the 2017 series have been a part of his 1887 runs. Smith's unorthodox style has not only made him a headache for Indian batsmen but also for Indian bowlers due to his mental toughness.
4. Marnus Labuschagne – 708 Runs (Average: 47)
Marnus Labuschagne has been a good addition to the Border Gavaskar Trophy. At an average of 47, with 708 runs scored, his adaptability and technique against spin have been commendable. The contribution that he showed off in the last 2020-21 series showed he was sure to be one more long-term menace for India.
5. Rohit Sharma – 650 Runs (Average: 34)
Rohit Sharma, India's current skipper is at the fifth spot with 650 runs. Here again, with an average of 34, his talent as a batsman is not really gauged. What has been useful for Team India with Rohit is the capacity to play substantial innings, especially in home conditions. It was among his best ever Test knock when Sharma scored 161 in Chennai in the 2021 series.
Why the Border Gavaskar Trophy Is Unique
The India-Australia rivalry in the Border Gavaskar Trophy defies statistics. This is a battle of cricketing philosophies, where grit meets flair. It has developed over the years into one of the most keenly contested series with unforgettable moments and legendary performances.
From battles involving Sachin Tendulkar against Shane Warne to Rahul Dravid's memorable Adelaide knock, and now to the modern stalwarts like Kohli and Smith, the Border Gavaskar Trophy has been capturing all that Test cricket is.
Fun Facts About the Trophy
- The trophy was named after two legends Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar who were well feted for their massive contributions to cricket.
- India currently holds the Trophy after winning the series in Australia for the 2020-21 series.
- The Trophy has been in existence since 1996, and results have alternated between India and Australia.
Conclusion
Cricket for all times, Border Gavaskar Trophy has always been a platform for the greatest to express their selves at their best, and all of the non-retired ones on this list have already secured their name in history books by winning this legendary series. Be it Pujara's stiffness, Kohli's aggression, or Smith masterclass, these players have nurtured cricketing in the hearts of so many souls.
And yet, even as the India vs Australia rivalry continues to play out, there is a Border Gavaskar Trophy that gives testament to how test cricket endures.
