Sunil Gavaskar scored 35 international centuries during his cricket career, including 34 Test hundreds and one ODI hundred. The legendary Indian opening batter scored 10,122 runs in 125 Tests at an average of 51.12. His highest Test score was 236 not out against West Indies in 1983, while his only ODI century was an unbeaten 103 against New Zealand during the 1987 Cricket World Cup.

Sunil Gavaskar is widely regarded as one of the greatest opening batters in cricket history.

Known as the “Little Master,” Gavaskar established himself as a technically brilliant batter who could face some of the most dangerous fast bowlers of his generation.

During the 1970s and 1980s, international cricket featured legendary bowlers such as Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, Malcolm Marshall, Dennis Lillee, Jeff Thomson and Imran Khan.

Gavaskar consistently demonstrated patience, concentration and outstanding batting technique against world-class opposition.

He became the first cricketer to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket and, in December 1983, surpassed Sir Donald Bradman’s long-standing record of 29 Test centuries.

By the time he retired from international cricket in 1987, Gavaskar had scored 34 Test centuries, setting a benchmark for future generations.

But how many centuries did Sunil Gavaskar score against each country? When did he score his first and last Test hundreds? And why did he score only one century in ODI cricket?

In this article, we explore the complete Sunil Gavaskar centuries list, including all 34 Test hundreds, his only ODI century, four double centuries, opponent-wise records and important career milestones.

Last updated: 5 November 2026

Sunil Gavaskar Total Centuries in International Cricket

Sunil Gavaskar scored 35 international centuries across Test and ODI cricket.

Gavaskar played international cricket between 1971 and 1987.

He was especially successful in Test cricket, where he scored 34 centuries and 45 half-centuries.

His only ODI hundred came during the final phase of his international career.

Sunil Gavaskar All 34 Test Centuries List

Sunil Gavaskar scored 34 Test centuries between March 1971 and December 1986.

His first Test century came against West Indies in Georgetown, while his final Test century was against Sri Lanka in Kanpur.

Complete List of Sunil Gavaskar Test Hundreds

Dates below refer to the starting date of the relevant Test match.

Note: An asterisk (*) indicates that Gavaskar remained not out.

The list demonstrates his remarkable consistency over more than 15 years of international cricket.

He scored centuries in India, the Caribbean, Australia, England, New Zealand and Pakistan.

Sunil Gavaskar ODI Centuries List

Unlike his extraordinary Test career, Gavaskar scored only one ODI century.

His only hundred came against New Zealand during the 1987 Cricket World Cup.

Sunil Gavaskar’s 103* Against New Zealand – 1987 World Cup

On 31 October 1987, India faced New Zealand at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground in Nagpur.

New Zealand scored 221/9 in their 50 overs.

India needed 222 runs to win.

Gavaskar produced one of the most entertaining ODI innings of his career.

He scored an unbeaten 103 from just 88 deliveries, including 10 fours and three sixes.

His strike rate was 117.04, exceptionally aggressive compared with his usual reputation as a patient opening batter.

India chased the target in 32.1 overs, finishing on 224/1.

Match Summary

Chetan Sharma also created history in the match by taking a hat-trick.

Gavaskar and Sharma shared the Player of the Match award.

The innings was especially memorable because it came near the end of Gavaskar’s international career.

Sunil Gavaskar Centuries Against Each Country

Gavaskar scored Test centuries against six different international opponents.

His most successful opponent was West Indies.

Opponent-Wise Test Centuries

Sunil Gavaskar Centuries Against West Indies

Gavaskar scored 13 Test centuries against West Indies, the highest number against any opponent during his career.

He achieved this against a team that featured some of the finest fast bowlers in cricket history.

His memorable innings against West Indies include:

• 116 at Georgetown in 1971
• 220 at Port of Spain in 1971
• 156 at Port of Spain in 1976
• 205 at Mumbai in 1978
• 182* at Kolkata in 1978
• 236* at Chennai in 1983

His record against West Indies remains one of the defining achievements of his career.

Sunil Gavaskar Centuries Against Australia

Gavaskar scored eight Test centuries against Australia.

He made three centuries during the 1977–78 tour of Australia:

113 at Brisbane, 127 at Perth and 118 at Melbourne.

He later added centuries at Delhi, Mumbai, Adelaide and Sydney.

His ability to score against Australian fast bowling demonstrated his quality in challenging overseas conditions.

Sunil Gavaskar Centuries Against Pakistan

Gavaskar scored five Test centuries against Pakistan.

These included 111 and 137 in the same Karachi Test in November 1978.

His unbeaten 127 at Faisalabad in January 1983 was another remarkable innings.

He carried his bat through India’s second innings against a strong Pakistan bowling attack.

Sunil Gavaskar Centuries Against England

Gavaskar scored four Test centuries against England.

His most famous innings against England was 221 at The Oval in 1979.

India were chasing a massive target of 438 runs.

Gavaskar’s extraordinary innings brought India close to an unforgettable victory.

The match eventually ended in a draw, with India finishing on 429/8.

Sunil Gavaskar Centuries Against New Zealand

Gavaskar scored two Test centuries against New Zealand:

• 116 at Auckland in January 1976
• 119 at Mumbai in November 1976

He also scored his only ODI century against New Zealand in October 1987.

Sunil Gavaskar Centuries Against Sri Lanka

Gavaskar scored two Test centuries against Sri Lanka.

His first was 155 at Chennai in September 1982.

His second was 176 at Kanpur in December 1986.

The Kanpur innings was his 34th and final Test century.

Sunil Gavaskar Double Centuries List

Gavaskar scored four double centuries in Test cricket.

Three of his four double centuries came against West Indies.

His highest Test score was 236 not out.

Sunil Gavaskar’s First Test Century – 116 Against West Indies

Gavaskar scored his first Test century on his debut international tour of the Caribbean in 1971.

He reached three figures against West Indies at Bourda, Georgetown, in March 1971.

He scored 116 in the second innings.

The match ended in a draw.

This innings was the beginning of one of the most successful Test batting careers in cricket history.

Gavaskar finished the 1971 West Indies series with 774 runs in four Tests, including four centuries and three half-centuries.

His performance played a major role in India’s historic first Test series victory in the Caribbean.

Sunil Gavaskar’s 220 Against West Indies – 1971

One of Gavaskar’s earliest masterpieces came during the fifth Test of the 1971 series at Port of Spain.

He scored 124 in India’s first innings and 220 in the second innings.

This was the first time he scored centuries in both innings of a Test match.

His 220 was also his first Test double century.

The performance helped India secure a draw and complete a historic series victory.

For a young batter playing his first international series, the achievement was extraordinary.

Sunil Gavaskar’s 221 Against England – The Oval, 1979

Gavaskar’s 221 against England at The Oval is often regarded as one of the greatest innings of his career.

India were chasing 438 runs in the fourth innings.

At the time, such a target was considered almost impossible.

Gavaskar displayed exceptional concentration and batting technique.

He scored 221 and brought India within reach of a historic victory.

However, India eventually finished on 429/8.

The match ended in a draw, just nine runs short of the target.

Despite India not winning, Gavaskar’s innings became one of the most celebrated fourth-innings performances in Test cricket history.

Sunil Gavaskar’s Highest Test Score – 236* Against West Indies

Gavaskar’s highest Test score came against West Indies at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai in December 1983.

He scored 236 not out.

The innings was particularly significant because it was his 30th Test century.

With that hundred, Gavaskar surpassed Sir Donald Bradman’s record of 29 Test centuries.

Why Was This Innings Special?

Gavaskar faced one of the strongest bowling attacks of his era.

He batted with outstanding discipline and helped India avoid defeat.

His unbeaten 236 represented more than half of India’s first-innings total of 451.

The match ended in a draw.

The innings established Gavaskar as the leading century-maker in Test cricket at that time.

Sunil Gavaskar’s Last Test Century – 176 Against Sri Lanka

Gavaskar scored his 34th and final Test century against Sri Lanka at Green Park Stadium, Kanpur, in December 1986.

He made 176 runs.

The match ended in a draw.

It was the last century of his remarkable Test career.

Gavaskar retired from Test cricket in March 1987 after playing his final match against Pakistan in Bengaluru.

His final Test innings was a memorable 96 on a difficult pitch.

Although he missed another century by four runs, the innings remains highly respected.

Sunil Gavaskar Test Career Statistics

Gavaskar was the first batter to cross 10,000 runs in Test cricket.

At retirement, he held the records for most Test runs and most Test centuries.

His achievements established new standards for opening batters around the world.

Sunil Gavaskar ODI Career Statistics

Gavaskar’s ODI record was different from his Test achievements.

He played much of his career during the early development of limited-overs international cricket.

The approach to ODI batting was considerably different from modern cricket.

Despite scoring only one ODI century, he contributed important runs for India in the format.

Why Did Sunil Gavaskar Score Only One ODI Century?

Gavaskar’s single ODI hundred is often discussed by cricket fans.

There were several factors behind this difference between his Test and ODI records.

1. ODI Cricket Was Still Developing

During the 1970s and early 1980s, teams were still learning how to approach limited-overs batting.

2. Batting Strategies Were Different

Opening batters often focused on preserving wickets rather than attacking from the beginning.

3. Gavaskar Was Primarily a Test Specialist

His strongest qualities were patience, defensive technique and the ability to build long innings.

4. Fewer ODI Opportunities

Gavaskar played only 108 ODIs, compared with 125 Tests.

Modern players often participate in far more limited-overs matches during their careers.

5. His 1987 Century Demonstrated His Attacking Ability

His unbeaten 103 from 88 balls against New Zealand proved that he could score quickly when the situation demanded it.

Sunil Gavaskar vs Sachin Tendulkar: Test Centuries Comparison

Gavaskar’s achievements laid the foundation for future Indian batting legends.

Sachin Tendulkar later surpassed his Test century record.

Both batters played important roles in different eras of Indian cricket.

Gavaskar helped establish India’s reputation for world-class batting.

Tendulkar later took Indian batting records to new heights.

Important Records Held or Achieved by Sunil Gavaskar

1. First Batter to Score 10,000 Test Runs

Gavaskar became the first player in cricket history to reach 10,000 Test runs.

2. First Batter to Score 30 Test Centuries

He became the first player to score 30 centuries in Test cricket, surpassing Bradman’s record.

3. 34 Test Centuries at Retirement

His tally of 34 Test hundreds was a world record when he retired.

4. Four Double Centuries

Gavaskar scored four Test double centuries.

5. Outstanding Record Against West Indies

He scored 13 Test centuries against West Indies.

6. Remarkable Debut Series

He scored 774 runs in four Tests during India’s 1971 tour of West Indies.

7. Centuries in Both Innings

Gavaskar scored centuries in both innings of a Test on three occasions.

8. Test Runs Above 10,000

He finished with 10,122 Test runs at an average above 50.

9. Historic Fourth-Innings Century

His 221 against England at The Oval in 1979 remains one of his most famous performances.

10. World Cup ODI Century

He scored his only ODI hundred against New Zealand in the 1987 World Cup.

Interesting Facts About Sunil Gavaskar’s Centuries

1. Sunil Gavaskar scored 35 international centuries.
2. He scored 34 centuries in Test cricket.
3. His only ODI century came in the 1987 Cricket World Cup.
4. His first Test hundred was 116 against West Indies in 1971.
5. His final Test century was 176 against Sri Lanka in 1986.
6. He scored 13 Test centuries against West Indies.
7. He scored eight Test centuries against Australia.
8. He scored four Test double centuries.
9. His highest Test score was 236 not out.
10. His highest ODI score was 103 not out.
11. He scored 221 in a fourth-innings chase against England.
12. He scored centuries in both innings of a Test three times.
13. He became the first batter to score 10,000 Test runs.
14. He surpassed Don Bradman’s 29 Test centuries in 1983.
15. His 1987 ODI century came from only 88 balls.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sunil Gavaskar Centuries

1. How many centuries did Sunil Gavaskar score?

Sunil Gavaskar scored 35 international centuries.

2. How many Test centuries did Sunil Gavaskar score?

He scored 34 Test centuries.

3. How many ODI centuries did Sunil Gavaskar score?

He scored one ODI century.

4. What was Sunil Gavaskar’s highest Test score?

236 not out against West Indies in Chennai in 1983.

5. What was Sunil Gavaskar’s highest ODI score?

103 not out against New Zealand in Nagpur in 1987.

6. Against which team did Gavaskar score his first Test century?

West Indies.

7. When did Gavaskar score his first Test century?

In March 1971 at Georgetown.

8. Against which team did Gavaskar score his last Test century?

Sri Lanka.

9. When did Gavaskar score his last Test century?

In December 1986 at Kanpur.

10. How many double centuries did Gavaskar score?

Four Test double centuries.

11. How many centuries did Gavaskar score against West Indies?

13 Test centuries.

12. How many centuries did Gavaskar score against Australia?

Eight Test centuries.

13. How many centuries did Gavaskar score against Pakistan?

Five Test centuries.

14. How many centuries did Gavaskar score against England?

Four Test centuries.

15. How many centuries did Gavaskar score against New Zealand?

Two Test centuries and one ODI century.

16. How many centuries did Gavaskar score against Sri Lanka?

Two Test centuries.

17. Did Sunil Gavaskar score a century in the Cricket World Cup?

Yes. He scored 103 not out against New Zealand in the 1987 World Cup.

18. Did Gavaskar score a century in the 1983 World Cup?

No. He did not score a century in the 1983 World Cup.

19. Did Gavaskar score 200 against West Indies?

Yes. He scored 220 in 1971, 205 in 1978 and 236 not out in 1983.

20. When did Gavaskar break Bradman’s century record?

In December 1983, when he scored his 30th Test century.

21. How many Test runs did Gavaskar score?

10,122 runs.

22. How many ODI runs did Gavaskar score?

3,092 runs.

23. What was Gavaskar’s Test batting average?

51.12.

24. How many Test matches did Gavaskar play?

125.

25. Was Gavaskar the first player to score 10,000 Test runs?

Yes.

26. How many Test half-centuries did Gavaskar score?

45.

27. How many ODI half-centuries did Gavaskar score?

27.

28. Did Gavaskar score centuries in both innings of a Test?

Yes, on three occasions.

29. What was Gavaskar’s famous innings against England in 1979?

He scored 221 at The Oval while India chased 438.

30. When did Sunil Gavaskar retire from international cricket?

He played his final Test and ODI matches in 1987.

Conclusion

Sunil Gavaskar’s 35 international centuries represent one of the most important achievements in Indian cricket history.

His 34 Test hundreds established him as one of the greatest opening batters of all time.

He scored centuries against some of the strongest teams and most dangerous bowling attacks in world cricket.

His 13 Test centuries against West Indies, four double centuries and record-breaking 236 not out in 1983 are especially memorable.

Although Gavaskar scored only one ODI century, his unbeaten 103 against New Zealand in the 1987 World Cup remains a classic performance.

Gavaskar was more than a prolific run-scorer.

He changed the expectations of Indian batting and demonstrated that an Indian opener could dominate world-class fast bowling.

His records inspired generations of players, including Sachin Tendulkar and many other Indian batting legends.

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