The Brisbane Cricket Ground, popularly known as “The Gabba,” has long been a stronghold for Australia in Test cricket. Renowned for its extra pace and bounce, the Gabba’s pitch has consistently favored the tall and fiery Australian bowlers.
Between 1988 and 2021, Australia maintained an incredible unbeaten Test streak at the Gabba, which was famously broken by India in 2021. While India’s victory that year was historic, their overall track record in Brisbane has been far from impressive. Indian batters, in particular, have often struggled to adapt to the Gabba’s challenging conditions. However, a few exceptional players have managed to overcome these hurdles and deliver remarkable performances. In this article, we explore the top five highest Test scores by Indian batsmen at the iconic Gabba.
Top five highest test scores by Indian batsmen at the Gabba:
Shubman Gill – 91 runs (2021)
The 2021 Brisbane Test is best remembered for Rishabh Pant’s match-winning unbeaten 89 in the second innings. However, Shubman Gill’s crucial contribution of 91 runs at the top order often goes underappreciated.
While chasing a daunting target of 328 runs in the fourth innings, Gill played a pivotal role by anchoring the chase with a stroke-filled innings. His knock featured eight boundaries and two sixes, providing the perfect foundation for India’s historic victory. Gill also stitched a vital 114-run partnership with Cheteshwar Pujara for the second wicket, setting the stage for Pant’s heroics later.
Motganhalli Jaisimha – 101 runs (1968)
Classical Indian middle-order batter Motganhalli Jaisimha showcased his brilliance with a valiant 101 in the second innings of the 1968 Brisbane Test. Facing a daunting target of 395 runs, Jaisimha’s ton nearly brought India to the brink of an improbable win.
His innings, laced with nine boundaries, saw him form a crucial 119-run partnership with Chandu Borde for the sixth wicket. Despite his efforts, India fell short by 39 runs, finishing with 355. Jaisimha’s innings remains one of the most remarkable displays of resilience in Indian Test history.
Sunil Gavaskar – 113 runs (1977)
During India’s 1977 tour of Australia, Sunil Gavaskar delivered a masterclass with a stunning century at the Gabba in the first Test. Chasing a challenging target of 340 runs, Gavaskar’s gritty knock of 113 kept India in contention till the very end.
His innings, played off 264 balls and adorned with 12 boundaries, was the backbone of India’s reply. Though the visitors ultimately fell short by 16 runs in a nail-biting finish, Gavaskar’s effort stood out as a testament to his legendary skill and determination.
Murali Vijay – 144 runs (2014)
Murali Vijay shone bright in the second Test of the 2014-15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, scoring an elegant 144 runs in the first innings. His innings, spanning 213 balls and featuring 22 boundaries, helped India post a commanding 408 on the board.
However, despite Vijay’s heroics on Day 1, India couldn’t capitalize, conceding 505 runs in Australia’s first innings. A modest second-innings score of 224 set up a small target of 128 for the hosts, which they chased down with four wickets in hand. Vijay’s knock, though in vain, remains a standout performance.
Sourav Ganguly – 144 runs (2003)
Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly matched the record for the highest Test score by an Indian at the Gabba with a memorable 144 in the 2003 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
In reply to Australia’s first-innings total of 323, Ganguly’s century, crafted in 196 balls and studded with 18 boundaries, anchored India’s reply of 409 runs. His commanding knock not only set the tone for the series but also ensured India escaped the match with a draw, leaving a lasting mark on India’s cricketing journey Down Under.