The Boxing Day Test is one of cricket’s most iconic traditions, played every year on December 26. It marks a day when fans gather in large numbers to witness high-quality cricket.
The day’s historical roots trace back to the Victorian era when people gave gifts in boxes. Today, it’s a global cricketing spectacle involving teams like India, Australia, South Africa, and Pakistan.
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For players, excelling in a Boxing Day Test is a memorable achievement. Scoring a century in such a match is a mark of brilliance.
Over the years, nine Indian batters have achieved this feat, etching their names in the record books. Here is a look at the Indian players who have scored centuries on Boxing Day Tests.
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How many batters from India have scored Boxing Day Test centuries?
Nine different Indian batters have scored centuries on Boxing Day Test matches, with a total of 12 tons in total.
Three batsmen namely KL Rahul, Sachin Tendulkar and Ajinkya Rahane have reached the milestone more than once (2 each) on December 26 Tests.
KL Rahul (2021, 2023)
KL Rahul is among the select few to score two Boxing Day centuries. He made 102 against South Africa in Centurion in 2021 and followed it with 101 against the same side at the same venue in 2023. His century last year was especially crucial, as it steadied India after an early collapse.
Cheteshwar Pujara (2018)
Cheteshwar Pujara’s scored a composed 106 against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 2018.
Ajinkya Rahane (2014, 2020)
Ajinkya Rahane has two Boxing Day centuries to his name. He scored 147 against Australia at Melbourne in 2014 and 112 at the same venue in 2020, acting as a dependable middle-order batter.
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Virat Kohli (2014)
In 2014, Virat Kohli scored a commanding 169 against Australia at Melbourne.
Virender Sehwag (2003)
Known for his aggressive batting, Virender Sehwag recorded the highest score by an Indian in a Boxing Day Test. His explosive 195 against Australia in 2003 at Melbourne remains unforgettable.
Sachin Tendulkar (1998, 1999)
The legendary Sachin Tendulkar was the first Indian to score two Boxing Day centuries. He made 113 against New Zealand in Wellington in 1998 and followed it with 116 against Australia in Melbourne in 1999.
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Mohammad Azharuddin (1998)
Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin scored a splendid 103 against New Zealand in Wellington during the 1998 Boxing Day Test.
Kapil Dev (1992)
Kapil Dev, India’s iconic all-rounder, scored 129 against South Africa at St. George’s Park in Gqeberha during the 1992 Boxing Day Test.
Dilip Vengsarkar (1987)
Dilip Vengsarkar was the first Indian to achieve this milestone. He scored 102 against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata during the 1987 Boxing Day Test.
List of Indian batters with centuries on Boxing Day Test
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Here is the table summarizing India’s centuries in Boxing Day Tests:
| Player | Score | Against | Year | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dilip Vengsarkar | 102 | West Indies | 1987 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| Kapil Dev | 129 | South Africa | 1992 | St George’s Park, Gqeberha |
| Mohammad Azharuddin | 103 | New Zealand | 1998 | Basin Reserve, Wellington |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 113 | New Zealand | 1998 | Basin Reserve, Wellington |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 116 | Australia | 1999 | Melbourne Cricket Ground |
| Virender Sehwag | 195 | Australia | 2003 | Melbourne Cricket Ground |
| Virat Kohli | 169 | Australia | 2014 | Melbourne Cricket Ground |
| Ajinkya Rahane | 147 | Australia | 2014 | Melbourne Cricket Ground |
| Cheteshwar Pujara | 106 | Australia | 2018 | Melbourne Cricket Ground |
| Ajinkya Rahane | 112 | Australia | 2020 | Melbourne Cricket Ground |
| KL Rahul | 102 | South Africa | 2021 | Centurion |
| KL Rahul | 101 | South Africa | 2023 | Centurion |
These Boxing Day centuries highlight the batting brilliance of Indian cricketers over the decades. Each of these players left a lasting impression on one of the most celebrated days in cricket.
With India set to face Australia this December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, fans will hope to see another memorable performance from the team.
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