Ravi Shastri Picks 5 Greatest Indian Cricketers from 93-Year History

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has delved deep into Team India’s 93-year cricketing journey, tracing back to its first Test match in 1932, to name the five greatest Indian cricketers of all time. From a long list of legends who have served Indian cricket across generations, these five stand out, according to Shastri, for the lasting legacy and impact they've created.

The Five Cricketers Chosen by Ravi Shastri

Shastri's list includes:

Sunil Gavaskar

Kapil Dev

Sachin Tendulkar

MS Dhoni

Virat Kohli

Each of these players has captained the national team and has contributed significantly to shaping the image and success of Indian cricket globally.

Why These Five?

According to Shastri, these five cricketers are not only statistically impressive, but more importantly, they have left a deep emotional and cultural imprint on fans and the sport itself.

• Sunil Gavaskar: Dominated world-class bowling attacks in the 70s and 80s, and became the first player to score 10,000 Test runs. His fearless batting redefined Indian cricket’s mindset.

• Kapil Dev: India’s first World Cup-winning captain in 1983, Kapil's all-round brilliance gave Indian cricket the confidence to challenge global powerhouses.

• Sachin Tendulkar: The symbol of hope for a billion Indians during the 1990s and 2000s. With 100 international centuries, he is often referred to as the “God of Cricket.”

• MS Dhoni: The most successful Indian captain in terms of ICC trophies. Under his leadership, India won the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, and 2013 Champions Trophy, redefining Indian cricket's finishing power.

• Virat Kohli: Modern-day great known for his unmatched consistency, aggression, and passion. Kohli has raised the bar of fitness and professionalism in Indian cricket while becoming one of its most prolific run-scorers.

A Legacy That Spans Eras

Ravi Shastri emphasized that each of these players symbolized their era:

• Gavaskar in the 70s,

• Kapil in the 80s,

• Tendulkar through the 90s and early 2000s,

• Dhoni during the 2007–2016 golden period,

• and Kohli as the face of the new-age Indian team.