Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Virender Sehwag
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question asks about the highest individual Test innings by an Indian batsman. While several Indian players have scored double centuries and even triple centuries, there is one particular score that stands out as the highest. Knowing this record helps you differentiate between multiple legends of Indian cricket who all have impressive numbers.
Given Data / Assumptions:
• The format is Test cricket.• The question is about the highest individual score in a single innings, not total career runs.• The options list famous Indian batsmen with big innings to their names.• Only one of these batsmen holds the record for the top individual Test score for India.
Concept / Approach:
Virender Sehwag has produced two triple centuries in Test cricket. His highest Test score is 319, made against South Africa in Chennai in 2008. This 319 is the highest individual innings by an Indian Test batsman. Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, V V S Laxman, and Sunil Gavaskar have all scored double centuries, but none of them went beyond Sehwag's 319 in a single innings. Therefore, Sehwag is the record holder in this category.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the question asks for the highest individual Test innings by an Indian batsman.Step 2: Recall that Virender Sehwag scored 319 versus South Africa, which is widely cited as the top Indian Test score.Step 3: Compare this with the known top scores of Tendulkar, Dravid, Laxman, and Gavaskar, which are lower than 319.Step 4: Choose Virender Sehwag from the list as the correct answer.
Verification / Alternative check:
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
• Rahul Dravid is famous for his consistency and long innings, but his highest score is below 319.• Sachin Tendulkar has enormous total runs and many centuries, yet his best Test score is 248 not out, not more than 319.• V V S Laxman's most iconic innings is 281 against Australia, which is still below Sehwag's 319.• Sunil Gavaskar had several double centuries and was a master opener, but he did not reach the 319 mark.
Common Pitfalls:
Because Sachin Tendulkar is so dominant in overall statistics, many candidates incorrectly assume that he must also hold the record for the highest individual Test score. Others may remember Laxman's 281 as a famous knock and assume it is the top score. Without carefully learning that 319 is the key number and that it belongs to Sehwag, such questions can trap you. Building a small list of key records and revising them regularly helps you avoid this mistake.
Final Answer:
The correct answer is Virender Sehwag, whose 319 runs against South Africa represent the highest individual Test innings by an Indian batsman in the context of this question.
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