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The debate over the greatest Indian cricketers of all time is one that never loses its spark. With a rich cricketing history spanning decades, India has produced numerous legends across all departments of the game. From record-breaking batters to game-changing bowlers, the choices are endless, making it nearly impossible to settle on a definitive list. The topic remains a popular conversation starter among cricket enthusiasts, players, and analysts alike, keeping the legacy of Indian cricket alive.
Venkatesh Prasad names his all-time Indian cricketing greats
On January 26, 2025, as India celebrated Republic Day, former Indian cricketer Venkatesh Prasad added his voice to this never-ending debate. In a Q&A session on X (formerly Twitter), titled #AskVenky, Prasad revealed his picks for the top five Indian cricketers of all time. His list included many legendary names from Indian cricket. Let’s have a look at Prasad’s picks:
1) Sachin Tendulkar: The master blaster
It’s no surprise that Sachin Tendulkar topped Prasad’s list. Widely regarded as the greatest cricketer of all time, Tendulkar’s records speak for themselves. The ‘Master Blaster’ is the only player to score 100 international centuries and was the first to register a double century in ODIs. His unmatched consistency, technical brilliance, and ability to adapt to any format have made him a global icon and a symbol of excellence in Indian cricket.
2) Kapil Dev: The all-round genius
Kapil Dev, the charismatic leader who brought India its first World Cup triumph in 1983, earned his place on Prasad’s list as an all-round great. With 434 Test wickets and over 9,000 international runs, Kapil remains one of the finest all-rounders in cricket history. His leadership, coupled with his ability to perform under pressure, made him a pioneer in shaping India’s cricketing future.
3) Sunil Gavaskar: The little master
Known for his unparalleled technique and consistency, Sunil Gavaskar revolutionized Indian cricket during his era. As the first player to score 10,000 Test runs, Gavaskar’s resilience against fearsome fast bowlers is the stuff of legend. His 34 Test centuries stand as a testament to his brilliance and his contribution to establishing India as a formidable force in world cricket.
Also READ: Ravi Shastri, Michael Vaughan reveal their top 3 greatest Indian batters
4) Anil Kumble: The spin wizard
Anil Kumble’s inclusion in the list is a tribute to his remarkable career as one of India’s finest bowlers. Known for his unrelenting accuracy and fierce competitiveness, Kumble amassed 619 Test wickets, including his iconic 10-wicket haul in an innings against Pakistan in 1999. His ability to deliver match-winning performances on all types of pitches made him a vital asset for the Indian team.
5) Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag, and Gundappa Vishwanath
Prasad couldn’t narrow down the fifth spot, leaving it shared between three distinct players in the form of Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag and Gundappa Vishwanath.
Dravid, nicknamed ‘The Wall,’ was India’s go-to man for anchoring innings and rescuing the team in challenging situations. His technical mastery and ability to play marathon knocks earned him immense respect.
Sehwag redefined opening batting with his fearless aggression and unmatched strike rate. Known for his explosive batting, Sehwag is the only Indian with two triple centuries in Test cricket.
Vishwanath is remembered for his grace and wristy elegance. A master of stroke play, Vishwanath’s ability to score under pressure made him one of India’s most admired batters.
