IND vs AUS: 'Sachin Tendulkar to Rahul Dravid', Six Indian Legends Who Scored A Double Century vs Australia in BGT Series

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IND vs AUS: Scoring a double century in Test cricket is a monumental achievement and doing it against a team like Australia, in the high-stakes Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) is indeed an extraordinary achievement.

Introduced in 1996-97, the BGT has been a fiercely contested rivalry between the two cricketing giants. Cut to the chase, only six Indian batsmen have reached this incredible milestone against Australia in these matches. Let's revisit their iconic innings.

1. Sachin Tendulkar - 241* (Sydney, 2003-04)

India's batting great Sachin Tendulkar showcased his batting masterclass at the SCG with an impeccable double century and it wouldn't have been possible without sheer discipline and focus. After struggling with dismissals to drives in the series, he ensured to put price on his wicket and went about his business.

The Mumbaikar batted for over 10 hours by meticulously accumulating runs without taking calculated risks. Rightly so, he chipped in with an unbeaten 241, laced with 33 fours, which anchored India to a mammoth 705/7 declared. His masterclass innings helped India draw the match and series.

2. VVS Laxman - 281 (Kolkata, 2001)

VVS Laxman is one of the greatest batters in the history of Test cricket. His iconic 281 (44 fours) at Eden Gardens is etched in cricketing folklore, a fabulous achievement that stands above every record in the purest format of the game, given the circumstances in which the innings came from. Coming in with India following on and staring at defeat, Laxman seemed to be playing on a different surface as he turned the game on its head.

The Hyderabad-born batted for over 10 hours and stitched a historic 376-run partnership with Rahul Dravid. With fluid stroke-play and ability to pierce gaps, he left Australia in tatters. This knock scripted one of the greatest turnarounds in the history of Test cricket as India pulled off a miraculous win. India won by 171 runs and Laxman was named the Man of the Match for his 59 and 281.

3. Rahul Dravid - 233 (Adelaide, 2003-04)

"The Wall" stood tall in Adelaide with a gritty double century. Facing a formidable Australian bowling attack, the Bengaluru-born showcased immense patience and technical precision right from the get-go. He stitched a valuable partnership of 303 runs with VVS Laxman, which put the team in a comfort zone.

His impeccable 233 in the 2003 Adelaide Test is widely celebrated as one of the finest performances in Indian cricket history. Dravid walked in after India had lost two quick wickets. He faced a tough bowling lineup, including legends like Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne. His partnership with VVS Laxman, who scored a well-made 148, was key to the team's comeback in the match. Dravid scored a match-winning 72 in the run-chase as India won by 4 wickets.

4. Cheteshwar Pujara - 204 (Hyderabad, 2013)

Cheteshwar Pujara was last seen in cricketing action for India in the WTC 2023 final against Australia. Since then, he fell out of the selectors' radar. He will be donning the commentator's hat for the upcoming BGT series 2024/25 in the Hindi commentary panel. Pujara can take pride in the fact that he is one of the six Indian batters to have scored a double century against Australia.

Coming out to bat at No.3, Pujara absorbed the early pressure and went about his work. With exquisite drives and flicks, he powered India to a massive total of 503 runs. He formed a 370-run partnership with Murali Vijay and dismantled Australians. The colossal first innings total paved the way for an innings victory as India won by an innings and 135 runs.

5. MS Dhoni - 224 (Chennai, 2013)

MS Dhoni has long been criticized for not pitching up with a humongous knock in Test cricket. However, there came a time when he broke the shackles and unleashed his true power by scoring a stunning 224 at his second home, Chennai. This remains his career-best knock in Tests.

Dhoni counterattacked the Australian bowlers with his trademark flair. He composed his innings with the help of 24 boundaries and 6 sixes. Dhoni's innings helped India post 572 in reply to Australia's 380. India went on to win by 8 wickets and MS Dhoni was named the Man of the Match.

6. Gautam Gambhir - 206 (Delhi, 2008)

Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir displayed incredible determination against Australia in the 2008 Test at the Feroz Shah Kotla. Batting for over 10 hours, the Delhi-born frustrated the Australian bowlers with his resolute defense and precise shot selection.

It helped him go about his work and score a double century. His partnerships with Virender Sehwag and VVS Laxman kept India in control, which helped the team churn out a draw in a hard-fought Test. Laxman was named the Man of the Match for his 200* and 59* in that match.