Top 10 Greatest Indian Cricketers

(1999-2013)
Attacking bowlers from the first delivery, Virender Sehwag is arguably the most aggressive opener in Indian history. It didn’t matter if it were Tests or limited-over matches, because Sehwag swung for the fences each time. Along with West Indies’ Chris Gayle, Sehwag is the only batsman to score a double century in ODIs and two triple centuries in Tests. The batsman still possesses some of the highest strike rates in every format of the game – a testament to his clean-hitting ability. His striking was particularly useful against arch-rivals Pakistan, boasting an incredible 90+ average against them as well as a triple century. Sehwag rocked opposition pacers all around the field, trailblazing a style that present-day Indian batsmen still replicate.

(1992-2008)
India might be a top team today, but it was under Ganguly that they first believed they could be the premier side in the world. The opener remains among the greatest captains India has ever produced. His side beat the best and nearly became world champions in 2003. As an opener, Ganguly was absolutely menacing on the off-side, conjuring breathtaking strokes that wowed audiences. His partnership with Sachin Tendulkar was the cornerstone of India’s ODI lineup, setting the platform for big scores. Ganguly’s resilience is among the best cricket has ever seen, as the batsman returned from obscurity with a bang after the infamous Greg Chappell controversy. His dedication to the team was second to none, which he continued as BCCI president long after retirement.

(1999-2022)
Easily among the greatest female cricketers of all time, Mithali Raj’s contributions to the game can’t be understated. Her two-decade-long career saw India rise all the way to the top, becoming a powerhouse in the sport. Possessing the records for most half-centuries, centuries, ODI and international runs, her list of accomplishments might just stand the test of time. Although unable to win the World Cup, Raj led the side to two global finals and multiple Asia Cup victories. The sheer longevity of her run puts her in esteem company along the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, as Raj signed off with one of the longest-lasting careers in cricket.

(1996-2012)
At a time when cricket began to transition into an attacking sport, Rahul Dravid made defense look cool. Living up to his nickname “The Wall,” Dravid was a nightmare for bowlers with his unmatched patience. His batting partners could play freely knowing Dravid was at the other end playing the anchor role. The team has him to thank for racking up some of their biggest scores. A master of the five-day game, the batsman could keep his cool like few others could. With his penchant for staying at the crease, Dravid scored 36 Test centuries and holds the record for most consecutive innings without a duck. His stellar away record is a testament to his skills, as “Mr. Dependable” could perform on just about any pitch.

(1990-2008)
Kumble is among the players who made Indian soil an absolute stronghold, bamboozling visiting players with ease. The leg spinner wasn’t a great turner of the ball, yet his variation and bounce was enough to take batsmen down. Of course, his greatest achievement remains taking all 10 wickets in an innings – a feat achieved only once before and once since. Bowling over 40,000 deliveries and finishing with over 600 wickets are numbers only a handful of players have replicated. His achievements extended to the shorter format as well, where Kumble had over 300 wickets to his name. The Indian team is mainly associated with batting. But Kumble broke the mold to become one of the highest wicket-takers in the game.

(1971-87)
Before the nation got its reputation for producing superb batsmen, Gavaskar was unquestionably its star player. The opener took a daring approach during a time when West Indies’ pacers dominated the game. Gavaskar excelled against the strongest team in the world, even playing without a helmet at a risk to his own safety. The “Little Master” successfully saw off the new ball and continued further, piling up a then-world record 35 Test centuries and scoring the most runs in the format. Maintaining an average above 50 is remarkable for any batting position, but Gavaskar did so while opening the innings against fearsome bowling lineups. About four decades since his retirement, Gavaskar remains among the highest run-getters and was a first ballot ICC Hall of Famer.

(2004-19)
The person responsible for filling India’s trophy cabinet is none other than “Captain Cool.” Dhoni led India to victories in the inaugural T20 World Cup, the ODI World Cup, and the Champions Trophy. The team jumped to the top of the Test rankings, as Dhoni also claimed the Test mace. As a player, Dhoni cemented himself as a finisher at the death to take India over the line time and again. His cricketing brain enabled him to be one of the most legendary wicketkeepers behind the stumps. Dhoni scored all kinds of dismissals – whether it were catches, stumpings, and run-outs. As an uncontroversial figure, Dhoni’s compiled fans far beyond India to be known as one of the most respected players to take the field.

(1978-94)
No matter how many trophies India might win, the 1983 World Cup triumph will always be their most cherished achievement. At only 24 years of age, Kapil Dev led a team that was initially written out as contenders. As a batsman, he could change the game with aggressive stroke play and kept the middle-order together. However, his effectiveness as a bowler was his biggest strength. Dev’s swinging abilities garnered him numerous scalps, making him the highest wicket-taker at the time of his retirement. Whether he was batting or bowling, opposition teams weren’t safe either way. His record as a captain complements his contributions as a player, as Dev remains the greatest allrounder in Indian history.

(2008-)
Undoubtedly the biggest superstar of the present-day sport, Virat Kohli was built for greatness. After leading the Under-19 team to World Cup glory, Kohli instantly made his mark in the senior game. After winning the 2011 World Cup, he became far and away India’s best player. As an expert in all three formats of the game, Kohli is a chase master like no other. The batsman has single-handedly defied the odds to lead his side to victory. Racking up massive scores is a habit, with Kohli recording multiple 200+ scores in Tests and 150+ in ODIs. As a captain, he turned India into an absolute fortress and finally turned the team into a force overseas. Scoring a record 50 ODI centuries, Kohli’s mind boggling average might never be surpassed.

(1989-2013)
Nicknamed the “God of Cricket” by his fans, Tendulkar was the complete technician of his craft. With 100 international centuries, the most runs in Tests and ODIs, most Man-of-the-Match awards, and most games played, Tendulkar broke all sorts of records. He could turn the match around as a bowler, too, claiming 200 wickets across formats and bagging multiple 5-fers. On the grand stage, there was no one better, as the batsman saved his best for global events. His excellence in the field lasted for a quarter of a century, with Tendulkar finally winning the big one in the twilight of his career. A contender as the greatest batsman of all time, there might never be a sportsman as revered as Sachin Tendulkar.

Can you think of any names who deserve to be on this list? Let us know in the comments.