Top 5 run-getters for India in overseas Test wins

Overseas assignments have always been tough for the Indian cricket team. Historically, Indian teams have struggled to win Test matches abroad, especially outside Asia.

One of the reasons for India's struggles in overseas assignments is their batting. Indian batsmen grow up playing on flat tracks, due to which most of them struggle in alien conditions which are tougher for batting in comparison to the subcontinent.

Having said that, there have been few exceptions to this rule. Batsmen like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and Sunil Gavaskar scored runs all over the world. These batsmen helped India accomplish some of the best moments in their cricket history by helping them win Test matches abroad.

Let's delve a bit deeper into India's batting in overseas conditions, and take a look at the top five run-getters in overseas Test wins:

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#5 Sourav Ganguly (997)

Sourav Ganguly is best known for his exploits as Indian captain, and seldom do people remember him for his batting - especially in Test cricket.

But Ganguly was a fighter who often bailed India out of trouble in Test matches. He was a part of the 'Fab Four' of the Indian batting, along with Tendulkar, Dravid and Laxman.

Ganguly had a weakness against genuine fast bowlers, which often led people to undermine him as a Test batsman. But that didn't stop him from giving his best every time he stepped on the field.

Ganguly's contribution to Indian Test cricket can be ascertained from the fact that he is among the top five run-getters for India in overseas Test wins. He was part of 16 Test matches which India won abroad, and he scored 997 runs in those at an average of 52.47 with two centuries and eight fifties.

#4 Virender Sehwag (1,243)

Sehwag was as destructive as they come

Virender Sehwag smashed the best of the bowlers in the most nonchalant way possible during his prime. He was instrumental in winning many Test matches for India in alien conditions.

Sehwag, contrary to his playing style, was famous for playing big knocks. He was the first Indian batsman to score a triple century, and he went ahead and added another as his career progressed.

Sehwag was part of 17 Test matches which India won abroad, and he scored 1,243 runs in these at an average of 51.79 with 3 centuries and 3 fifties.

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#3 VVS Laxman (1,442)

Laxman caused mayhem with elegance

VVS Laxman was famous for taking India across the line in crunch situations, especially in Test cricket. His ability to bat with the tail often helped India in winning close contests.

Laxman caused mayhem with elegance on many occasions. He was also a very good player of spin bowling.

Laxman was part of 20 Test matches which India won abroad, and he scored 1,442 runs those at an average of 51.50 with 3 centuries and 9 fifties.

#2 Sachin Tendulkar (2,017)

Sachin scored runs all over the world with supreme ease

Sceptics who often complain that Sachin Tendulkar's centuries usually came in either losing causes or drawn contests should take a look at his record in India's overseas Test wins. Tendulkar is second in the list of highest run-getters for India in overseas conditions.

He was part of 20 Test matches which India won abroad and he scored 2,017 runs in those at an amazing average of 80.68, with a monumental 9 centuries and 4 fifties.

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#1 Rahul Dravid (2,293)

Dravid used to revel in difficult conditions

Rahul Dravid used to excel in difficult conditions, and he fittingly tops this list. Dravid scored centuries for India in some of the most difficult conditions for batting; his hundred in Headingley during the 2002 tour of England is still held in very high regard by experts and fans alike.

Dravid was part of 24 Test matches which India won abroad and he scored 2,293 runs in those at an exceptional average of 69.48, with 7 centuries and 9 fifties.