Who was the first Indian batsman to score 300 runs in a single Test innings?

Introduction / Context:
This question targets knowledge of major batting milestones in Indian Test cricket. Scoring a triple century, that is 300 or more runs in a single Test innings, is rare and considered a historic achievement. For India, the first batsman to reach this landmark created a big moment in cricket history and is often mentioned in records and trivia. Knowing that player helps you answer similar sports general knowledge questions quickly.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The format is Test cricket, not ODIs or T20Is.
• The milestone is 300 runs in a single innings, also known as a triple century.
• The options list prominent Indian cricketers from different eras.
• Only one of them was the first Indian to score a triple century in Tests.

Concept / Approach:
The core idea is to recall which Indian batsman first crossed 300 runs in a Test innings. Virender Sehwag achieved this milestone when he scored 309 runs against Pakistan at Multan in 2004, becoming the first Indian to hit a triple century in Tests. Others in the list, like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, have many double hundreds but did not reach 300 before Sehwag. Bishan Singh Bedi was a bowler, not a high scoring batsman, and Sourav Ganguly also never scored 300 in a Test innings.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note that the question is restricted to Test cricket and asks for the first Indian batsman to reach 300 in a single innings.Step 2: Recall that Virender Sehwag scored 309 at Multan, which is popularly referred to as the Multan triple.Step 3: Check the options and confirm that Virender Sehwag is present among them.Step 4: Eliminate the other names because they did not achieve a triple century before Sehwag.

Verification / Alternative check:
You may remember the famous headline about the Multan triple century and how Sehwag forced Pakistan to chase the game. Cricket records books and reputable websites list Virender Sehwag as the first Indian to score a triple century in Tests. Later, Sehwag himself scored another triple century against South Africa, reinforcing his reputation as a destructive opener. Sachin Tendulkar, despite his many centuries and double centuries, never reached 300 in a Test innings, which confirms that the historic first triple century belongs to Sehwag.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
• Sachin Tendulkar is India's highest run scorer overall but did not score a triple century in Tests.
• Sourav Ganguly was a stylish left handed batsman and successful captain but never reached a score of 300 in a Test innings.
• Bishan Singh Bedi was a legendary left arm spinner and not a high scoring batsman, so this option is clearly incorrect.
• Rahul Dravid, known as The Wall, has several double centuries but did not achieve a triple century.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes assume that Sachin Tendulkar must hold every batting record for India and therefore pick him by default. Others may confuse overall runs with highest individual scores in a single innings. It is crucial to separate the concept of cumulative career runs from the record for the highest score in one innings. Misreading the format and thinking about ODIs or T20Is can also lead to wrong answers. Carefully noting the word Test and the 300 runs milestone helps avoid these mistakes.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is Virender Sehwag, who became the first Indian batsman to score 300 runs in a single Test innings with his 309 at Multan against Pakistan.