Ravi Shastri Reveals His Top 5 Indian Cricketers

Former India cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri recently shared his list of the five greatest Indian cricketers of all time on the Stick to Cricket podcast. Hosted by Michael Vaughan, Alastair Cook, David Lloyd, and Phil Tufnell, the podcast provided Shastri with a platform to discuss his choices, which notably excluded some of India’s cricket legends.

Notable Omissions from Shastri’s List

Shastri’s selections sparked discussions as he left out iconic figures such as Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, and Anil Kumble. Ganguly, who led India to the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy victory and the 2003 World Cup final, was surprisingly absent. Similarly, Rahul Dravid, India’s second-highest run-scorer in Tests and third-highest across all formats, did not make the cut. Anil Kumble, India’s leading wicket-taker in both Tests and ODIs, was also omitted.

Shastri’s Chosen Five

Instead, Shastri included Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and MS Dhoni in his top five. He emphasized Sachin Tendulkar as his number one choice due to Tendulkar’s longevity and remarkable achievements over a 24-year career. Tendulkar’s ability to face formidable bowling attacks from around the world further solidified his position at the top.

The Impact of Shastri’s Selections

Shastri’s list highlights players who have significantly contributed to Indian cricket. Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni are both World Cup-winning captains who have left an indelible mark on the sport. Virat Kohli’s inclusion reflects his status as India’s second-highest run-scorer across formats and his success as a Test captain during Shastri’s coaching tenure. Sunil Gavaskar’s pioneering role in Indian batting history also earned him a spot among the greats.

Conclusion

Ravi Shastri’s selection of the greatest Indian cricketers underscores his perspective on cricketing excellence. While some legendary names were left out, his choices reflect players who have achieved remarkable feats and shaped Indian cricket history.