India vs Australia has always been one of the most thrilling rivalries in world cricket. Indian players have provided some special performances against the Australians over the years. Throughout history, playing Australia has never been a picnic for any cricket team. Their ferocious bowling, work ethic and outstanding fielding have challenged even the best teams in the world. However, some Indian players can hold their heads high and don’t shy away from the challenge. Their skills, temperament and hunger for runs are extraordinary.
In this article, we narrow it down to the top Indian players with the best batting averages against Australia, where they have conceded nothing to one of the best cricketing nations.
Cheteshwar Pujara – The Modern Day Wall
Cheteshwar Pujara has been the rock of India’s Test team and has ultimately been a key to their success in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Undoubtedly, Pujara’s strength lies in his patience, concentration, and technical efficiency. In particular, he has taken it to Australian bowlers by being a stereotypical, “back to the wall” number 3. Not counting statistically, the fact that he averages 50 against the Australian team is a testament to how tough he has been, particularly in lower-scoring games and under pressure.
The best example of success for Pujara came in the 2018-19 Test series in Australia, in which he contributed 521 runs in all 4 tests, averaging a little over 74, while being a huge feature in India’s first Test series win in Australia. Pujara has displayed an ability to bat long, absorb pressure, and wear on fast bowlers, which makes him one of the better Indian batsmen to face Australians in the last decade.
Sachin Tendulkar – The Master Blaster Besting Australia
It is impossible to have a discussion around great Indian players without talking about Sachin Tendulkar. The Little Master has scored over 3,000 Test runs against Australia at an average of over 55, and more importantly, scored many of what are arguably the most incredible centuries ever scored in the game of cricket.
Does anyone recall what may be one of his all-time best knocks, saving his wicket from one of the finest bowling performances in a Test match in 2004, when he scored 241 not out, but said he would not play cover drive? Does everyone recall his almighty ‘Desert Storm’ innings against the Australian behemoths in Sharjah 1998 when he toned their bowling attack, led by Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath, for sixes?
His performances against Australia highlight not only Tendulkar’s skills, but his adaptability and cricketing intelligence. His ability to score consistently and defend impressive bowling attacks led by some of the best fast bowlers the sport has seen speaks volumes of his ability to apply his skills with both grace and precision.
The Modern Giant, Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is a modern-day great because of his aggression and desire for runs. His statistics, which include several hundreds of both at home and away, and an average of about 50 in Test matches and over 55 in ODIs, speak for themselves against Australia.
In particular, Kohli’s tour of Australia in 2014 to 15 will never be forgotten. In four Test matches, he amassed 692 runs and four hundreds, including a valiant 141 at Adelaide. His elegant stroke play and confrontations with the Australian players ushered in a new era of fearless Indian cricket.
Australian bowlers have also found Kohli to be a nightmare in limited-overs cricket. His composed yet aggressive style has frequently tipped the scales in India’s favour, whether he is chasing or setting a target.
The man who silenced Australia was Rahul Dravid.
When playing for Australia, Rahul Dravid, also referred to as “The Wall,” has an outstanding record. His innings have an impact that goes far beyond the numbers, despite the fact that his batting average against them is nearly more than 40 plus.
Dravid’s defining moment came in the 2003 Adelaide Test, when his 233 and undefeated 72 helped lead India to a historic victory on Australian soil. His ability to endure pressure, play for long stretches of time, and build relationships made him a valuable player against the Australians.
Dravid’s technique and mental toughness often disrupted the pace of Australia’s fast bowlers.
VVS Laxman, The Artist with the Bat
When one thinks of Australia, they also recall one of the greatest cricketing innings ever, VVS Laxman’s 281 at Eden Gardens in 2001. That knock changed the game of cricket in India forever. Even though Laxman averaged roughly 45 against Australia, his impact was significantly greater.
Australia found firing Laxman to be very challenging. Due to his skilful wrist play, calm manner, and ability to counter exceptional pace and spin, he was a nightmare for their bowlers. He frequently produced innings that won games for India.
Often, the foundation of many significant victories over the Australians, Laxman and Dravid’s partnership was a testament to style, timing, and perseverance.
Rohit Sharma – The Hitman’s Strong Record
Over the last few years, Rohit Sharma has become a reliable player against Australia, in both formats of the game – Tests and white-ball formats. He averages over 60 in ODIs against Australia, showcasing that he can stay on top of any quality attacks.
Rohit has scored two double centuries in ODIs, including a score of 209 in Bengaluru (2013), against Australia, confirming his devastating qualities. He has also produced terrific hundreds in Tests, on home soil, scoring hundreds against both spin and pace in all situations.
At the crease, he remains calm and has image-less timing and finish, and is undoubtedly one of the more stylish yet dangerous batsmen against Australia in modern cricket.
KL Rahul – The Versatile Performer
KL Rahul might not have as long a record as others, but his performances against Australia have been noteworthy. He averages around 45 in Tests against them, with a memorable century at Sydney (2015) and consistent ODI runs in recent years.
Rahul’s versatility, being able to open, anchor, or finish, makes him an asset in all formats. His elegant stroke play and adaptability have often frustrated Australian bowlers, both at home and abroad.
Sourav Ganguly – The Daredevil Captain
Sourav Ganguly’s disruptive batting and captaincy introduced a new confidence for Indian cricket, even if his average of 43 (approximately) against Australia did not appear high. It was his intent all those years ago to score with intent and aggression, and to formulate new thinking as a leader that provided these players with confidence for the rest of their careers.
His hundred at Brisbane (2003) was the spark that ignited one of India’s best overseas Test matches. Sourav Ganguly certainly was not afraid to be challenged, and he encouraged the other players to play without fear – a valuable mentality that would provide the foundation of a new style of play for Indian cricket.
Conclusion
Facing Australia has always been a challenge their bowling attacks, from McGrath and Warne to Starc and Cummins, have tested the best. Yet, Indian batsmen have consistently risen to the occasion.
From Tendulkar’s brilliance to Kohli’s aggression, Pujara’s patience, and Laxman’s artistry, these players have shown that skill, mental toughness, and determination can conquer even the toughest opponents.
Their averages tell a story of excellence, but beyond the numbers, these performances have built the legacy of India’s resilience and class against one of cricket’s greatest rivals.