Indian batters get considered the best when it comes to playing spin, as they grew up playing on pitches that offer a considerable amount of turn, and thus, they develop a habit of playing slow bowling. However, the real challenge comes when they go on overseas tours. Those conditions are alien to most of our Indian batsmen, and they tend to face a tough time coping with the pace and bounce they offer and the swing they generate in those conditions. However, some of our batsmen adapt to such change conveniently and give brilliant results in such overseas turf. Here are ten such cricketers who have shown immense hard work and talent to get themselves a better overseas record than their home turf.
1. Sachin Tendulkar
The ‘God of Cricket’ was known for his consistency throughout his career. He used to open in ODIs and bat at no.4 in tests. Conditions never made Tendulkar’s batting unsettled; instead, he used to bat even more confidently when the conditions were less favorable for him. Sachin has batted in 106 overseas tests for India and has scored more than 8500 runs with an average of 54.74. His overseas test stint includes 29 centuries and 36 half-centuries. He played one of the most inspirational knocks of 241 against Australia in Australia. On the other hand, Sachin’s home test average is also remarkable, touching the mark of 52.67.
2. Rahul Dravid
The Great Wall of India, Rahul Dravid was known for his defensive batting technique, which eventually helped him throughout his test career. He bats at no.3 for India in test cricket and has achieved many accolades. He is one of the few Indian batsmen who got their name listed on the Lord’s Honours Board. Dravid has played 93 away tests for India and has scored more than 7500 runs at an average of 53.61. His overseas test records include 26 centuries and history- 36 half-centuries. His best performance of 270 against Pakistan at Rawalpindi helped India win one of the most epic test matches against their arch-rivals. On the other hand, his home average records at 51.36.
3. Ajinkya Rahane
Rahane is one of the few players who, as per his standards, struggle more in home conditions than overseas. Unlike other Indian batters who prefer spinners in challenging situations, Rahane is better at playing pace bowlers. His overseas test records include seven centuries. He has scored 2710 runs in 38 matches with an average of 45.16. Rahane is one of the few Indians to score a test century in England and Australia. On the other hand, his home average is not quite up to the mark, as he averages 39.28 here. He is also one of the Indian batsmen to have their name on the Lord’s Honors Board.
4. Rohit Sharma
One of the modern-day legends, Rohit Sharma, has a tremendous overseas record in limited-overs cricket. In ODIs, Rohit has represented India in 159 overseas matches and has scored above five and a half thousand runs at an average of 43.31, including 18 centuries and 28 half-centuries. His best-ever overseas performance came in the 2019 World Cup when he scored 648 runs with an average of 81, including a half-century and five centuries which is a record for most centuries by a player in a single edition of the World Cup. His average is better at home conditions as he averages 61.32 at Home. Still, if we look at his overall performance, we will notice that his records are better in overseas states.
5. Virat Kohli
In the limited-overs format, the Indian Skipper has performed amazingly well in overseas conditions. He has represented India in 156 overseas ODIs and has scored more than 7 thousand runs with a mammoth average of 58.33. His overseas ODI stint includes 24 centuries and 37 half-centuries. His home records are also marvelous as he averages 60 at Home and has scored nearly 5 thousand runs at Home in ODIs.
6. Dilip Vengsarkar
India’s one of the most dependable no.3 for almost one and a half-decade, Dilip Vengsarkar could tear apart any world-class team or bowling attack on his day. Between 1986 and 1988, Vengsarkar was the leading test batsman globally, scoring eight centuries. He was the first-ever player to score three centuries against England at The Lords.
7. Gundappa Vishwanath
A swashbuckling batsman who always faced the best bowlers in the world fearlessly, Gundappa Vishwanath was never scared of playing his shots, even if he was playing on 99. He has scored 20 fifties and 4 tons in away tests and has always set the tone for India’s innings abroad with his elegant and solid batting style. Some also called the original little master, and his batting was considered even more beautiful than Gavaskar.
8. Sunil Gavaskar
The ‘Little Master,’ popularly known, had an astonishing record against the Caribbean pace quartet between the 1970s and 80s. He has played 60 away tests and scored more than 5 thousand runs at a tremendous average of 52.11. It includes 18 centuries and his personal best score of 221 against England. He also averaged around 50 at Home.
9. Mohinder Amarnath
1983 World Cup Final’s Man of the Match, Mohinder Amarnath, was India’s most prolific all-rounder during the 1980s. While his home records were not up to the mark, he had an outstanding overseas test stint. In 37 away tests, Amarnath averaged 51.86 and scored more than three thousand runs, including nine centuries and 17 half-centuries. His home average was a mediocre 30.44. It was rare for someone to have such a massive difference between the averages on Home and away conditions.
10. Rishabh Pant
Although it’s very early in his career, Rishabh Pant has impressed everyone with his overseas performance in red-ball cricket. He is the first Indian wicket-keeper to have scored a century in overseas tests. He has scored three centuries in test cricket, and two have cut in overseas conditions. The first was against England, which came in his debut series, and the next one was in Australia, which helped India register their first Test series win in Australia. He recently impressed everyone with his gritty 89 at ‘The Gabba,’ which got him the Man of the Match award for one of the greatest test matches played in the game.
