Ranking India's five greatest male cricketers of all time
What's the story
India has produced numerous cricketing legends over the decades, with each leaving a unique imprint on the game. Be it winning ICC trophies or leaving behind a rich legacy with their profound skillset, a few players have consistently scaled new heights across formats. While greatness remains debatable, have a look at five male cricketers who are among the finest in Indian cricket history.
#5
Kapil Dev
Kapil Dev truly transformed Indian cricket with his revolutionary fast-bowling.
He led the side to its maiden ODI World Cup triumph in 1983, considered Team India's greatest achievement.
One of the game's greatest all-rounders, Kapil scored 5,248 Test runs and claimed 434 wickets.
Kapil also became the first cricketer to complete the rare double of 5,000 Test runs and 400 wickets.
#4
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli once held an average of 50-plus in each of the three formats.
One of the finest batters, Kohli continues to dominate the 50-over format with remarkable consistency.
His 28,359 international runs are second only to legend Sachin Tendulkar. The former also became the first-ever player with 50-plus ODI centuries.
Under Kohli's captaincy, India became a formidable Test side.
Kohli, who also redefined fitness standards, is India's most successful Test captain.
#3
Sunil Gavaskar
While Kapil Dev instilled the winning mentality, Sunil Gavaskar laid the foundation for Indian cricket's rise.
The legendary opener shone in an era dominated by fast bowlers. He took on the world's most fearsome pace attacks without wearing a helmet.
Gavaskar became the first batter to score 10,000 Test runs and was the first to reach 30 Test centuries.
#2
MS Dhoni
Now add a batter with an unorthodox technique, a unique wicket-keeper, and an astute leader, and you get another legend!
MS Dhoni emerged as India's most successful white-ball captain, having led the team to the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy.
He is still the only captain to win all three ICC white-ball trophies.
Besides his exceptional leadership, Dhoni revolutionised wicketkeeping with a 'don't try this at home' tag.
#1
Sachin Tendulkar
Ask anyone about the most prolific Indian cricketer, and Sachin Tendulkar will always top that list.
Ticking most boxes in the batting record books, the Master Blaster is the highest run-scorer in international cricket (34,357 runs).
He is the only player to have a century of international hundreds (100).
Tendulkar stood out as a one-man army against the fastest bowlers of all time.