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The Boxing Day Test, played annually on December 26, is a prestigious event in cricket. For players, shining in these matches is a mark of excellence, and scoring a century on such a significant day is a monumental achievement.
Over the years, nine Indian batters have achieved this feat, collectively amassing 12 centuries in Boxing Day Tests. Notable among them are Sachin Tendulkar, KL Rahul, and Ajinkya Rahane, who have each scored two Boxing Day Test tons.
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Indian Batters with Boxing Day Test Centuries
KL Rahul (2021, 2023)
- Rahul has scored two Boxing Day centuries, both against South Africa at Centurion.
- 2021: Scored 102, stabilizing India after early setbacks.
- 2023: Followed it with another masterclass, scoring 101 to anchor the innings.
Sachin Tendulkar (1998, 1999)
- The first Indian to achieve this milestone twice.
- 1998: Scored 113 against New Zealand in Wellington.
- 1999: Made a crucial 116 against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Ajinkya Rahane (2014, 2020)
- Known for his composure under pressure, Rahane scored:
- 147 against Australia in 2014 at Melbourne.
- 112 at the same venue in 2020, showcasing his reliability in crunch moments.
Cheteshwar Pujara (2018)
- A textbook knock of 106 against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Virat Kohli (2014)
- A commanding 169 against Australia in Melbourne, showcasing his dominance on the big stage.
Virender Sehwag (2003)
- Blasted a scintillating 195 against Australia at Melbourne, the highest individual score by an Indian in Boxing Day Tests.
Mohammad Azharuddin (1998)
- Scored a fluent 103 against New Zealand in Wellington, a knock remembered for its elegance.
Kapil Dev (1992)
- The legendary all-rounder smashed 129 against South Africa at St. George’s Park in Gqeberha, showcasing his flair with the bat.
Dilip Vengsarkar (1987)
- The first Indian to achieve this feat, scoring 102 against the West Indies at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Complete List of Indian Boxing Day Test Centuries
| 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 |
Anticipation for the 2024 Boxing Day Test
With India set to face Australia this December 26 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, fans are eager to see if another Indian batter can join this illustrious list. Boxing Day Tests are etched in cricketing folklore, and the stage is set for another potential historic performance.
