West Indies vs India 2016: 5 best batting performances by Indian batsmen in the West Indies

Sunil Gavaskar

Any mention of the 1970s or 80s cricket evokes memories of the fearsome bowling attack of the West Indies. The sight of tall, menacing fast bowlers running in and then hurling a missile in the veil of a red ball is one for the ages. The numerous scars on the body of the opposition batsman is a testament to the thunderbolts which were hurled at them.

Scoring runs were the last option in mind, and survival was paramount for the batsmen. Amidst all this swagger and aplomb, there have been performances from Indian batsmen which shine out even to this day.

There is no doubt that the effectiveness of the Caribbean bowlers has waned over the years, as has the nature of the pitches, but in spite of all this, scoring runs in the West Indies is always a coveted feat.

Here, in this list, we take a look 5 best performances of Indian batsmen in the West Indies.

#1 Sunil Gavaskar- 220

1971 was a breakthrough year for Indian cricket in many different ways. From beating an all-conquering West Indies side, to standing up for all challenges, it was a tour which gave Indian cricket its recognition.

This series also introduced a 21-year old Sunil Gavaskar to the world, as the young boy plundered 774 runs in the 5 matches.

India were leading the 5 match series 1-0 and went into the final test match with one eye set on the series.

Gavaskar who had grabbed attention due to his superlative batting was not yet done. The maestro scored 124 in the first innings and then followed it up with a masterly 220 in the second. This remains the highest individual score by an Indian in the West Indies.

India also went on to win the 5-match series 1-0.

#2 Dilip Sardesai- 212

Dilip Sardesai

If Gavaskar hogged all the limelight, Dilip Sardesai quietly went about his business but was mighty effective.

His innings of 212 in the very first match of the series set the ball rolling as far as the Indian team is concerned. This defiant innings came as a rescue act as he bailed India out of a precarious situation wherein the team was reeling at 75 for five.

Sunil Gavaskar who was making his debut in that series pays tribute to the innings and the man, as he says that this innings displayed grit and technique and it showed the others how to combat pace bowling.

"He showed us how to play fast bowling, and in doing so gave us the confidence we needed to beat the West Indies. One of his great strengths was that he was always very positive, and he spread that through the team", Gavaskar said.

#3 Wasim Jaffer- 212

Wasim Jaffer

A real veteran of the Indian domestic set-up, Wasim Jaffer had the game to be successful at the international level, but his career was largely underwhelming. He was a stylish stroke-maker who had the temperament to dig in and play the long innings. However, an average of 34.10 after 58 innings does not justice to his potential.

His international career was dotted with few memorable performances along the way, and the innings of 212 exemplified the man and his potential. This innings came in the second innings of the first match in Antigua.

India were trailing by 130 runs after the first innings and were under considerable pressure. However, Jaffer soaked in everything thrown at him and carved out a memorable innings which put India in the driver's seat.

West Indies were given a daunting target of 392 runs, and India almost sneaked home, but West Indies held on. They ended with 9 wickets down and somehow saved the match.

#4 Navjot Singh Sidhu- 201

Navjot Singh Sidhu

Sidhu was a gifted stroke-maker but was equally capable of stodgy and stoic cricket if the situation demanded this approach. His innings of 201 in Trinidad and Tobago, which lasted 11 hours was perhaps his finest innings in Test cricket.

491 balls, 19 fours and a solitary six was a testament to his ability, and it helped India build a lead of 140 after the first innings. The Indian bowlers could not be penetrative enough in the second innings and the match ended in a draw.

Sidhu ended his test career with an average of 42.13 in 78 innings. These are decent numbers considering he was the opener in the majority of his matches.

#5 Virender Sehwag- 180

Virender Sehwag

If Sunil Gavaskar exemplified watertight technique and tremendous defensive prowess, Virender Sehwag was a stark contrast, and yet both these batsmen will always make it to India's all-time Test squad.

Sehwag was the maverick who cared two hoots for technique, he had tremendous belief in his ability and this was on in full flow right throughout his career. This innings of 180 in St Lucia was one such Sehwag innings, where the bowlers were rendered helpless such was the marauding influence of the Delhi dasher.

180 runs off 190 balls which included 20 boundaries and 2 sixes, some might say this was a slow innings compared to Sehwag's standards, but it set the game up beautifully. India amassed 588 runs in the first innings. West Indies were bundled out for 215 in their first innings and were made to follow on.

They held on for a draw and managed to drag the game towards a draw.

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Edited by Staff Editor