In the history of Indian Test cricket, who was the first Indian batsman to score a triple century in a single Test match innings?

Introduction / Context:
Triple centuries in Test cricket are rare and celebrated achievements. For Indian cricket fans and exam aspirants, it is important to know who first reached this landmark for India. This question asks for the name of the first Indian batsman to score a triple century in a Test innings, an important milestone in the country cricket history.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The format is Test cricket.
• The milestone is a triple century, that is 300 or more runs in a single innings.
• Options are Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Sourav Ganguly, and MS Dhoni.
• We must identify which batsman first achieved this for India.

Concept / Approach:
The approach is to recall Indian batting records in Tests. Virender Sehwag became the first Indian to score a triple century when he hit 309 runs against Pakistan in Multan in 2004. Sachin Tendulkar, despite his many records and centuries, never scored a triple hundred. Sourav Ganguly and MS Dhoni also did not reach 300 in a Test innings. By matching this memory with the options, the correct answer becomes clear.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Remember that the first triple century by an Indian in Test cricket came in a match against Pakistan. Step 2: Recall that Virender Sehwag played an aggressive innings and scored 309 runs in Multan in 2004. Step 3: Check whether any earlier Indian batsman had reached 300. None had done so before Sehwag innings. Step 4: Recognise that Sachin Tendulkar highest Test score is 248 not out, which is below 300. Step 5: Conclude that Virender Sehwag was the first Indian to score a triple century in Test cricket.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, review a mental list of highest Test scores by Indian batsmen. Sehwag has two triple centuries, 309 against Pakistan and 319 against South Africa, and both are widely reported. Tendulkar, although the highest run scorer in Test cricket, never reached 300 in a single innings. Ganguly and Dhoni made important centuries but never triple hundreds. This record pattern confirms that Sehwag holds the distinction of being the first Indian Test triple centurion.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Sachin Tendulkar: He has many Test centuries but no triple century; his highest is 248 not out.
• Sourav Ganguly: A successful batsman and captain, but he did not cross 300 in a Test innings.
• MS Dhoni: Known for his limited overs finishing and wicketkeeping, his Test highest is well below 300.

Common Pitfalls:
The main pitfall is assuming that the player with the most centuries or runs must also hold the triple century record. Many students thus choose Sachin Tendulkar without recalling the exact figures. Another mistake is to forget that triple centuries are separate records, not automatically held by all time greats. To avoid this, it helps to memorise a short list of special innings and records, especially for Indian cricket milestones like first triple century, highest individual Test score, and fastest double century.

Final Answer:
The first Indian batsman to score a triple century in Test cricket was Virender Sehwag.