India are currently taking on West Indies in a two-match Test series, with the second Test to be played at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi from October 10. India hold the upper hand in the series after beating the visitors convincingly by an innings and 140 runs in the first Test in Ahmedabad.
Historically, Indian cricketers have dominated the West Indies both at home and abroad, producing memorable innings that have left a lasting impact. On that note, let us take a look at five special centuries by
Indian legends against the West Indies in Test cricket.
From Gavaskar to Kohli: Famous Test centuries by Indian legends against West Indies
Sunil Gavaskar - 236* at Chennai, 1983
Sunil Gavaskar produced a masterful unbeaten 236 to help India draw the sixth Test in Chennai in 1983. West Indies posted 313 in their first innings, with Jeff Dujon top-scoring with 62. Indian bowlers Kapil Dev (3/44) and Maninder Singh (3/41) delivered crucial breakthroughs.
India replied with 451/8 declared, largely thanks to Gavaskar, who dominated the West Indies attack with 23 fours. Ravi Shastri also contributed 72 runs, supporting Gavaskar’s monumental innings. His double-hundred showcased his impeccable technique and concentration against a formidable pace and spin attack.
Rahul Dravid - 144* at Georgetown, 2002
Rahul Dravid is known as the ‘Wall’, and displayed his classical defensive technique in Georgetown in 2002, scoring an unbeaten 144 off 345 balls to help India draw the match. West Indies scored 501 in their first innings, with Carl Hooper (233), Shivnarine Chanderpaul (140), and Ramnaresh Sarwan (53) leading the charge.
Javagal Srinath’s 3/91 provided India crucial breakthroughs. In reply, India scored 395/7, with Dravid anchoring the innings alongside Sachin Tendulkar (79) and VVS Laxman (69). Dravid’s innings was a fine example of patience and resilience under pressure.
Sachin Tendulkar - 176 at Kolkata, 2002
In the first innings at Eden Gardens, India posted 358, with Sanjay Bangar scoring 77. West Indies responded strongly, amassing 497, highlighted by Chris Gayle (88), Wavell Hinds (100), Shivnarine Chanderpaul (140), and Marlon Samuels (104). Harbhajan Singh’s 5/115 was India’s standout bowling effort.
In the second innings, Sachin Tendulkar played a sublime 176 off 298 balls, hitting 26 fours, while VVS Laxman contributed 154. India’s second innings display ensured the match ended in a draw, with Tendulkar’s innings epitomising class and mastery against the Caribbean pace attack.
Virender Sehwag - 180 at Gros Islet, 2006
Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag brought his trademark aggressive style to Gros Islet in 2006, scoring 180 from 190 balls with 20 fours and two sixes. In India’s first innings, Rahul Dravid (146) and Mohammad Kaif (148*) helped India reach 588/8 declared.
Pedro Collins took 4/116 for the West Indies. Sehwag’s explosive innings, coupled with his occasional contributions with the ball, including a wicket of Brian Lara in the second innings, helped India dominate the match, which ended in a draw. His innings remains one of the most entertaining against the West Indies.
Virat Kohli - 200 at North Sound, 2016
Virat Kohli’s double century at North Sound in 2016 was a historic moment. India posted 566/8 in the first innings, with Kohli smashing 200 from 283 balls, including 24 fours. Shikhar Dhawan (84), Ravichandran Ashwin (113), and Amit Mishra (53) also contributed.
India bowled out West Indies in both innings, securing a convincing innings and 92-run victory. Ashwin’s 7/83 was complemented by Kohli’s foundation-laying double hundred, helping India win the four-match series 2-0.
