In Test cricket, scoring a century is a big milestone, showing skill, focus, and patience. But scoring two centuries in the same match, one in each innings, is a rare and legendary feat. It demands not just excellence but also strong mental and physical endurance over five tough days.
India, a cricket-loving nation with many great batters, has seen only a few achieve this special mark. From Vijay Hazare’s heroics in 1948 to Rishabh Pant’s brilliance in 2025, here’s a look at the Indian batters who have scored centuries in both innings of a Test match and the remarkable stories behind their achievements.
| Player | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vijay Hazare | 116 | 145 | Australia | 1948 |
| Sunil Gavaskar | 124 | 220 | West Indies | 1971 |
| Sunil Gavaskar | 111 | 137 | Pakistan | 1978 |
| Sunil Gavaskar | 107 | 182 | West Indies | 1978 |
| Rahul Dravid | 190 | 103* | New Zealand | 1999 |
| Rahul Dravid | 110 | 135 | Pakistan | 2005 |
| Virat Kohli | 115 | 141 | Australia | 2014 |
| Ajinkya Rahane | 127 | 100* | South Africa | 2015 |
| Rohit Sharma | 176 | 127 | South Africa | 2019 |
| Rishabh Pant | 134 | 118 | England | 2025 |
1. Vijay Hazare vs Australia – 1948
- Scores: 116 & 145
- Opponent: Australia
- Year: 1948
- Venue: Adelaide
Vijay Hazare became the first Indian player ever to score two centuries in a Test match, and he did it against none other than Sir Donald Bradman’s Australia. Despite India losing the match, Hazare’s elegant batting stood out. His knocks came against a fearsome bowling attack that included Ray Lindwall and Keith Miller. In a series dominated by Australia, Hazare’s twin tons brought pride and recognition to Indian cricket during its early years as a Test-playing nation.
2. Sunil Gavaskar – Triple Twin Centuries
Vs West Indies – 1971
- Scores: 124 & 220
- Opponent: West Indies
- Year: 1971
- Venue: Port of Spain, Trinidad
This was part of India’s historic first-ever Test series win in the West Indies. Gavaskar achieved this feat during his debut series, which made it even more impressive. His batting was marked by calmness, control, and maturity well beyond his age, providing the foundation for India’s historic series win.
Vs Pakistan – 1978
- Scores: 111 & 137
- Opponent: Pakistan
- Year: 1978
- Venue: Karachi
Gavaskar once again displayed his brilliance with the bat, proving why he was one of India’s most dependable players. Despite India falling short in the match, his form was outstanding. His second-innings knock of 137 was full of grit and nearly took India to a remarkable win. It was a reminder of his ability to stand tall under pressure.
Vs West Indies – 1978
- Scores: 107 & 182
- Opponent: West Indies
- Year: 1978
- Venue: Kolkata
In one of his finest displays on home soil, Gavaskar produced a match-saving performance. His 182 in the second innings was a classic display of patience and timing against a strong Caribbean pace attack. With this, he became one of only a few cricketers globally to score two centuries in a match three times.
3. Rahul Dravid – Double Twin Centuries
Vs New Zealand – 1999
- Scores: 190 & 103*
- Opponent: New Zealand
- Year: 1999
- Venue: Hamilton
Dravid’s twin centuries were a masterclass in technique and temperament. He batted for long hours, tiring out the New Zealand bowlers. His 103* in the second innings showed his ability to pace the game smartly. India drew the match, but Dravid’s consistency boosted the team’s confidence.
Vs Pakistan – 2005
- Scores: 110 & 135
- Opponent: Pakistan
- Year: 2005
- Venue: Kolkata
In a high-pressure India vs Pakistan match, Dravid stepped up once again. His two centuries played an important part in India’s win. As captain, he led from the front and showed why he was called “The Wall.”
4. Virat Kohli vs Australia – 2014
- Scores: 115 & 141
- Opponent: Australia
- Year: 2014
- Venue: Adelaide
In his first match as Test captain, Virat Kohli showcased his intent and fighting spirit. Facing a strong Australian side, Kohli scored a fluent century in the first innings and followed it up with a brave 141 in the second, nearly guiding India to a famous victory. Though India lost a tight contest, Kohli’s twin hundreds marked the beginning of a new era in Indian cricket leadership.
5. Ajinkya Rahane vs South Africa – 2015
- Scores: 127 & 100*
- Opponent: South Africa
- Year: 2015
- Venue: Delhi
On a pitch that challenged most batters, Rahane displayed brilliant footwork and concentration. His twin centuries helped India set up a huge lead and win the match comfortably. Rahane’s calm presence under pressure made this one of his finest Test performances.
6. Rohit Sharma vs South Africa – 2019
- Scores: 176 & 127
- Opponent: South Africa
- Year: 2019
- Venue: Visakhapatnam
This was Rohit’s first match as a Test opener, and he made an immediate impact. Known for his white-ball brilliance, Rohit showed that he could dominate in the longest format too. His attacking style, combined with patience, made both innings a treat to watch. He joined the elite club of Indians with centuries in both innings in style.
7. Rishabh Pant vs England – 2025
- Scores: 134 & 118
- Opponent: England
- Year: 2025
- Venue: Headingly
Rishabh Pant became the latest Indian to achieve this rare feat. Pant’s bold batting and confidence are giving a new meaning to the role of a wicketkeeper-batter. His two centuries against a strong English bowling attack highlighted his growth as a Test cricketer.
The Rarity of the Feat
- High stamina to bat long hours across multiple days.
- Mental toughness to adapt to changing pitch conditions.
- Concentration to repeat a big performance after already scoring once.
- Skill to counter both pace and spin in two different innings.
Fact: Globally, only around 72 players in Test history have done it. For India, only 7 players have achieved it, with Sunil Gavaskar alone doing it three times.
Conclusion
These performances are not just numbers in the record books, they are moments that define careers, inspire future generations, and remain etched in the memory of fans. From Hazare’s bravery in post-independence India to Pant’s modern-day flair, each instance is a celebration of Indian cricket’s evolution. Such feats remind us that greatness in Test cricket comes not just from one good innings, but from consistency, grit, and the ability to rise twice in the same battle.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
