Cricket holds a special place in the hearts of millions in India, with the nation’s top players revered as icons. The Indian cricket team has achieved remarkable success on the global stage, giving rise to a series of legendary batsmen who have become household names. These players have not only made significant contributions to Indian cricket but have also left an indelible mark on the world stage. Let’s explore the careers of these batting legends who have shaped the history of Indian cricket.
Virender Sehwag
Virender Sehwag is undoubtedly one of the greatest opening batsmen in cricket, known for his explosive style and ability to take the game away from the opposition. In 2009, he became the first Indian to be awarded the Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World, an honor he retained the following year. With a remarkable strike rate of 82.23, Sehwag holds the record for the highest strike rate among batsmen with over 3000 Test runs. He is also one of only two players to score both a double hundred in ODIs and a triple century in Tests. While other top Indian batsmen like MS Dhoni, Sourav Ganguly, Rohit Sharma, and VVS Laxman came close, Sehwag remains a true legend in Indian cricket.
Rahul Dravid
Rahul Dravid, one of the top four Test run-scorers of all time, is revered for his unwavering concentration and resilience, earning him the moniker “The Wall.” Known for his defensive play, Dravid amassed over 13,000 runs in Tests, with an impressive record of performing even better abroad. His dedication was evident when he batted for an astonishing 12 hours in a Test against Pakistan. Dravid, a keen student of the game, has transitioned into coaching and is now the head coach of the Indian cricket team, where he delivered an inspiring motivational speech following India’s Test victory over England in 2024.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli, still playing at the highest level, is one of the greatest ODI players of all time, sitting in the top 5 for most runs scored in 50-over cricket. With 13,848 ODI runs and an impressive average of 58.67, he leads in the shortest format too, with over 4,000 runs in T20 internationals. Kohli holds the record for the most runs in IPL history and is the favorite to top the run charts again in 2024. His remarkable performances, like his dominance in the 2015/16 T20 series against Australia, demonstrate his unmatched talent across formats.
Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar, who made his Test debut against the West Indies in 1971, quickly made an impact by scoring a century in his second Test. The first player to reach 10,000 Test runs, Gavaskar is one of only 14 players in history to achieve this milestone, underlining his exceptional talent. Renowned for his ability to handle fast bowlers, Gavaskar thrived against the formidable West Indies pace attack. After retiring, he transitioned into commentary, offering insightful analysis, particularly on Indian players, further cementing his legacy in the cricketing world.
Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar is widely regarded as the greatest Indian batsman and one of the best in the history of the sport. With 15,921 Test runs, he tops the all-time list, and in One Day Internationals, he holds the record for most runs, surpassing his nearest competitor by over 4,000 runs. Known as the ‘Little Master,’ Tendulkar excelled in all formats before retiring in 2013. He remains involved with the Mumbai Indians in the IPL, where he continues to inspire the next generation. His exceptional balance and poise at the crease made his batting a joy for fans worldwide.