Most runs scored in a session in India: Virender Sehwag dominates list

Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag holds the record for the most runs scored in a session in India. 

During the third Test of Sri Lanka’s tour of India in 2009, the swashbuckling opening batter slammed 133 runs in the third session on Day 2 at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.

Interestingly, Sehwag surpassed his own record where he scored 108 runs against South Africa in the second session on Day 3 at the M. A. Chidambaram in Chennai in 2008.

Meanwhile, England’s flamboyant left-handed batter Ben Duckett features second on the list for the most runs scored in a session in India. Duckett became the first visiting batter to score 100-plus runs in a session in India. The southpaw scored 114 runs against  hosts India during the third session on Day 2 in Rajkot in 2024.

The likes of MS Dhoni and Karun Nair also feature on the impressive list. Get the top five list of most runs scored in a session in India.

Most runs scored in a session in India

Virender Sehwag | 133 vs Sri Lanka | Brabourne, 2009

Regarded as one of the most destructive openers, Virender Sehwag has the record for the most runs scored in a session in India. While Sehwag was batting at 151 against Sri Lanka at tea on Day 2 in Brabourne in 2009, the right-handed batter then hammered 133 runs in the third session as he reached unbeaten 284 at stumps. However, Sehwag was later dismissed on 293 by Muthiah Muralidaran on Day 3. Despite Sehwag’s dismissal, India posted a mammoth 726/9d in reply to Sri Lanka’s 393. The hosts bowled out Sri Lanka for 309 in their second innings to win the Test by an innings and 24 runs. 

Ben Duckett | 114 vs India | Rajkot, 2024

England’s Ben Duckett is second on the list for the most runs scored in a session in India. After the Rohit Sharma-led India posted 445 in their first innings of the Rajkot Test on Day 2 in February 2024, Ben Duckett took the attack to the opposition as he became the first visiting batter to score 100-plus runs in a session in India. Duckett (19) and Zak Crawley (6) added 31 runs for the opening wicket at tea on the second day. While Crawley later departed for 15, Duckett continued his attacking approach as he notched up his hundred off just 88 balls. The southpaw remained unbeaten on 133 as he went on to score 114 runs in the final session to help England finish the day on 207/2.

MS Dhoni | 109 vs Australia | Chennai, 2013

Former India captain MS Dhoni features third on the list for the most runs scored in a session in India. During the first Test of Australia’s tour of India in 2013, MS Dhoni slammed 109 runs in the third session on Day 3 at the M. A. Chidambaram in Chennai. While Dhoni was batting at 97 at tea on Day 3, the hard-hitting batter then amassed 109 runs in the final session to record his maiden double century in his international career. He remained unbeaten on 206 at stumps. Dhoni was later dismissed on 224 on Day 4 as India posted 572 in reply to Australia’s 380. The visitors were bundled out for 241 in their second innings. India later chased down the target in 11.3 overs to win the Chennai Test by eight wickets.

Photo credit: Alamy