Ravi Shastri picks his top five all-time greatest Indian cricket players
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri recently stirred some conversation by leaving out two of India’s modern-day icons, Jasprit Bumrah and Rahul Dravid, from his list of top-five Indian cricket players of all time. Despite Bumrah rising to prominence and becoming one of the world’s most formidable fast bowlers during Shastri's tenure as head coach, and Dravid's status as one of India’s greatest-ever red-ball specialists, Shastri chose not to include them in his list. Instead, Shastri named two legends of Indian cricket — Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev — among the top-five players. Both Gavaskar and Kapil were part of the historic 1983 World Cup-winning team, with Shastri sharing the dressing room alongside them during that monumental campaign.
Ravi Shastri misses some important names while picking greatest Indian cricket players
Beyond their on-field accomplishments, Shastri has also had a long association with both players through commentary duties, often sharing the mic with them as cricket analysts. While Shastri’s selections sparked debates, it highlights the significant impact that Gavaskar and Kapil Dev had on shaping Indian cricket, both on the field and in terms of the country's cricketing legacy. Dravid and Bumrah, while being part of a new era, continue to earn their place in discussions about India’s cricketing future.
Ravi Shastri’s list of top-five Indian cricketers also includes the iconic Sachin Tendulkar, widely regarded as one of the greatest players to have ever graced the game. Tendulkar, the highest run-scorer in international cricket, has not only set numerous records but has also been a symbol of consistency and excellence for India across formats. His inclusion in Shastri’s list is a testament to the immense contribution he made to Indian cricket.
Shastri’s final two picks were former India captains MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, both of whom have left indelible marks on the game and have been on the mark always in cricket update. Dhoni, known for his cool temperament and sharp cricketing mind, holds the record for the most wins as India’s captain in white-ball cricket. Under his leadership, India won major ICC trophies, including the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ICC World Cup, and 2013 Champions Trophy, solidifying his place in the annals of Indian cricket.
Virat Kohli, on the other hand, has achieved the same feat as Dhoni in Test cricket, with a remarkable win record as captain in the longest format. Kohli’s aggressive leadership style and consistency with the bat have made him one of the modern greats. Shastri’s picks highlight the blend of legacy and leadership that has defined Indian cricket.
"Definitely Gavaskar will start. Kapil, Sachin, Virat definitely. I am looking at the most influential players of their era. MS again. Bumrah is still got cricket. So the five will be Sunny, Kapil, Sachin, Dhoni and Virat," stated former Indian cricketer Ravi Shastri on a recent podcast.
Ravi Shastri placed Sachin Tendulkar at the top of his list due to the sheer longevity of his career and the immense pressure of expectations he consistently faced. The 63-year-old former coach emphasized how Tendulkar not only delivered exceptional performances over two decades but also did so under the constant scrutiny of a cricket-obsessed nation. Shastri highlighted the challenging environment in which Tendulkar played, particularly against some of the most formidable pace attacks in history. During his career, Tendulkar faced the likes of Glenn McGrath, Wasim Akram, and Allan Donald, among others, all of whom were known for their intimidating pace and skill. Despite these challenges, Tendulkar’s ability to adapt and dominate across various conditions and formats earned him a special place in cricketing history.
"In the years I have played, India-Pakistan. The interest it generates from the outside, massive. Having said that, I think in the last ten years, India-Australia has taken up. India, England, and Australia have had some fantastic series. We got more crowds in during the Boxing Day Test at the MCG this time. The highest number of people that came in since Bradman's team in 1936. People come in from all parts," Shastri added.
