On January 26, 1950, India took a monumental step by becoming a republic, marking the beginning of a new era for the nation. Over the decades, this transformation has been reflected in various fields, especially in sports. Cricket, in particular, has seen India rise from a relatively underdog team to one of the most dominant forces in the sport.
This success has been fueled by countless cricketing legends, including the likes of Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli, among many others. For these iconic cricketers, there is no greater honor than representing their country on the field. The pride that comes with donning the national colors and playing for India is unmatched.
Here’s a list of the three highest scores recorded in Test Cricket on Republic Day:
1: Virat Kohli (116 runs vs Australia, 2012)
The greatest batter of the current era, Virat Kohli has been a goated player for the Indian Cricket Team since his debut in 2008. He has achieved the status of the greatest batter of all time due to his consistent and match-winning performances. He holds the highest score of 116 runs off 213 deliveries, to be recorded on the Republic Day of India.
This century was special not just because of the runs he scored, but because of the situation in which it came. India was struggling in the second innings of the Test, facing a daunting total to save the match. Kohli’s knock was a display of pure grit and determination, as he single-handedly carried the team’s hopes with his calm yet aggressive stroke play. His century in Adelaide was a statement to the cricketing world about his talent and temperament, marking the beginning of his transformation into one of the best in the business.
2: Navjot Singh Sidhu (99 runs vs Sri Lanka, 1994)
The attacking and fearless opener, Navjot Singh Sidhu has played a crucial role for the Indian Cricket Team in the red-ball format. Batting at the top of the order, Sidhu looked in control throughout his innings, dominating the bowlers with his characteristic pull shots and drives. His memorable knock of 99 against Sri Lanka in 1994 is often regarded as one of the most thrilling near-centuries in Indian cricket history.
The innings was particularly significant because it came during a time when Sidhu was establishing himself as a reliable opener for India. His 99 runs helped India set a competitive target, though he fell just one short of a well-deserved century, which added to the heartbreak. Despite not reaching three figures, Sidhu’s performance remained crucial to India’s efforts in that match, and it is remembered as a testament to his resilience.
3: Sachin Tendulkar (96 runs vs Sri Lanka, 1994)
The god of cricket, Sachin Tendulkar, is regarded as one of the best batters in the history of cricket, alongside Virat Kohli. Sachin Tendulkar’s knock of 96 against Sri Lanka in 1994 is one of the most cherished innings played on the occasion of Indian Republic Day. On a pitch that supported both the bowlers and batsmen, Tendulkar’s 96 was a brilliant display of his technique and shot-making ability. His inning was marked by classic drives, elegant cuts, and flicks as he tackled the Sri Lankan bowlers with finesse.
The knock was crucial in setting up a solid foundation for India’s total, especially with wickets falling around him. Though he was dismissed just four short of a well-deserved century, it was another classic example of his ability to play under pressure and perform when his team needed him the most.
