IND vs AUS: Top 10 leading run-scorers in India vs Australia Tests ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

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The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) has evolved into one of Test cricket's most intense rivalries, bringing out the best in both India and Australia. The rivalry between the two teams in this millennium is often spoken in a similar vein to the Ashes.

Several Indian and Australian batters have put up some terrific performances over the years in the red-ball format and played some iconic knocks, taking the level of competition to the next level.

As anticipation builds for the BGT 2024-25, here's a look at the top 10 run-scorers in the series' storied history:

1. Sachin Tendulkar (India): Runs: 3,630 | Matches: 39 | Average: 55: The Master Blaster leads the pack with his outstanding performances over nearly two decades (1996-2013) Down Under. Tendulkar - who had already showcased his potential with his maiden Test ton in Manchester on his first tour of England - repeated the feat in the Oz land with a gritty 148* against Australia in the Sydney Test.

Known for his impeccable technique and relentless pursuit of runs, Tendulkar's most memorable knock was a flawless 241* in Sydney, a masterclass in concentration and control.

2. Ricky Ponting (Australia): Runs: 2,555 | Matches: 29 | Average: 54.36: Ponting was India's bane, dominating on Australian soil and in Indian conditions. His highest score of 257 epitomised his ability to take on the world's best bowlers with confidence and aggression. Seven of his eight Test hundreds against India came at home and one ton in the subcontinent but the legendary right-handed batter had a great affinity towards Indian bowling.

3. VVS Laxman (India): Runs: 2,434 | Matches: 29 | Average: 49.67: One of the most respected Indian Test batters amongst Aussie fans, Laxman's connection with Australia is legendary, with his iconic 281 in Kolkata often touted as one of the greatest innings in Test history.

His calm and resolute style posed a constant threat to Australia throughout his career. The fact that his maiden Test century came on Australian soil (167 in 2000 at Sydney) makes the connection even more special.

4. Rahul Dravid (India): Runs: 2,143 | Matches: 32 | Average: 39.45: Known as 'The Wall,' Dravid's steady accumulation of runs helped anchor many of India's innings against Australia. His epic knock of 233 in the first innings of the Adelaide Test in 2003, a game which India won despite Aussies scoring 500-plus, stands as a testament to his grit and unwavering focus. Dravid has played several memorable Test knocks against the Aussies, his gritty 180 in the Kolkata Test is still regarded as one of his finest innings.

5. Cheteshwar Pujara (India): Runs: 2,074 | Matches: 25 | Average: 49.38: Pujara's patience and resilience helped India clinch the 2018-19 series in Australia. Known for grinding down the opposition, the top-order batter from Saurashtra played a significant role in Team India's back-to-back Test series wins Down Under in 2018-19 and 2020-21.

On the 2018-19 tour, the right-handed batter slammed three tons and punctured the morale of the Aussie bowlers, exemplifying his ability to wear down bowlers in challenging conditions.

6. Michael Clarke (Australia): Runs: 2,049 | Matches: 22 | Average: 56.57: Clarke's stellar career against India includes an unforgettable 329*, making him the only triple-centurion in the series' history. The talented left-handed batter - who slammed his maiden ton against India - has helped Australia seize critical moments between the two sides.

7. Steve Smith (Australia): Runs: 2,042 | Matches: 19 | Average: 52.50: With an average of over 65, Smith's technique and unorthodox style have made him one of India's biggest adversaries. The seasoned right-handed batter - who has produced some of his career-best performances against India (both home and away) in Tests - has slammed eight centuries apart from scoring a truckload of runs. His upcoming performances will be crucial in determining the series' outcome.

8. Virat Kohli (India): Runs: 2042 | Matches: 25 | Average: 52.41: Kohli has shown an unparalleled hunger for runs against Australia, and his fierce attitude brings an extra edge to the series. With eight centuries, a joint equal with Ponting, Kohli has always been looked at highly for his Aussie-like aggressive approach.

The talismanic right-handed batter has savoured batting against Australian bowlers, pitches and crowds. In the 2014-15 tour of Australia, the Run Machine was scoring runs for fun as he slammed four centuries, including tons in both innings of the Adelaide Test.

While he might have not been in the best of form lately, Kohli certainly is going to be the most talked-about batter in the upcoming series, and the Australian media has already shifted their focus. Don't agree? Check out all the local newspapers.

9. Matthew Hayden (Australia): Runs: 1888 | Matches: 18 | Average: 65.92: Hayden's powerful, aggressive batting style gave India many challenges. The tall, powerful left-handed top-order batter's high average and consistency made him one of the most formidable openers against India. With his six Test centuries and 5 fifties against India in Tests, the Queensland-born batter proved why he was always a challenge to the bowlers.

10. Virender Sehwag (India): Runs: 1738 | Matches: 22 | Average: 41.38: Known for his explosive starts, Sehwag's impact on the game was immense. His aggressive approach often put India on the front foot by forcing the opposition to go back to the drawing board. His fearless knock of 195 in the Melbourne Test will be remembered forever for the sheer dominance against one of the most formidable bowling attacks of that era.