Ranking the Top 60 Greatest Indian Cricketers of All-Time (Men’s)

by Nitesh Mathur | Aug 6, 2024 | Article Index, India, World XIs - With Twists

What is greatness? William Shakespeare once aptly said,

“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon ’em.”

Today we discuss the greatest Indian cricketers of all-time across formats and eras. Some of them are born geniuses. Others toiled their way to greatness, one ball at a time.

Let’s be honest, we have all done this exercise in our head a few times in our lives. However, with India’s 2024 T20 World Cup victory, the nation now has new heroes.

We considered over 150 cricketers who have represented India in the last 130 years and came up with the Top 60.

Here is sneak peek—Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Virat Kohli, and MS Dhoni have been chosen as the Top 5 Greatest Indian cricketers of all-time.

Table of Content

• The Stats
• Honorable Mentions
• The Greatest 60 Indian Cricketers of All-Time
• The Top 30
• The Top 10
• Other Memorable Performances by Indian Cricketers

What Criteria Went in Picking this List?

We looked at India’s major victories and which players contributed to those triumphs. This includes famous Test wins, T20 & ODI World Cup wins, Champions Trophy, etc.

• World Cup Wins: 1983 ODI World Cup, 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, 2024 T20 World Cup
• Other ICC Wins: 2002 Champions Trophy, 2013 Champions Trophy
• Runners Up: 2000 Champions Trophy, 2003 ODI World Cup, 2014 T20 World Cup, 2017 Champions Trophy, 2023 ODI World Cup
• Major Test Series Victories: India Tour of England 1971, India Tour of England 1986, Australia Tour of India 2001, Border Gavaskar Trophy 2018-19, Border Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21

For cricketers who played before the 1970s, we considered anecdotal references and stories as well as first class statistics.

Statistics

We considered statistics across formats in each of the areas: batting, bowling, fielding, keeping, and captaincy.

Most Wickets

Most Runs

Most Matches As Captain

*Matches Won/Matches Captained

Most Dismissals As Keeper

Most Catches

• Test: R Dravid (209), VVS Laxman (135), S Tendulkar (115), V Kohli (111), S Gavaskar (108)
• ODI: M Azharuddin (156), V Kohli (151), S Tendulkar (140), R Dravid (124), S Raina (102)
• T20I: R Sharma (65), V Kohli (54), H Pandya (47), SK Yadav (45), S Raina (42)

The Honorable Mentions

Future Stars

These players were not considered in the list (currently), but will most likely be considered greats of Indian cricket by the time they retire.

Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Shubman Gill, Ravi Bishnoi, Shreyas Iyer, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammad Siraj, Ishan Kishan, Yashasvi Jaiswal (712 runs in a series, wow!), Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul

Honorable Mentions

Pankaj Roy, Roger Binny, Sandeep Patil, Dilip Doshi, Dattu Phadkar, Naren Tamhane, Ajit Agarkar, Ashish Nehra, Venkatesh Prasad, S Sreesanth, Manoj Prabhakar, Karsan Ghavri, Madan Lal, Ajinkya Rahane, Murali Vijay, Umesh Yadav, Wriddhiman Saha, Anshuman Gaekwad, Syed Abed Ali, Robin Singh, Nayan Mongia, Salim Durani, Narendra Hirwani

Top 60 Greatest Indian Cricketers of All-Time

For each cricketer listed, we considered the number of international matches played across formats (longevity), player of match/series awards (impact), notable achievements (specific Test series & World Cup stats), and if they captained India, played 100 Tests, and/or won a World Cup.

If a retired player satisfies any of the following criteria, then they automatically make the list:

• 9 Player of the Match Awards
• 300+ International Wickets
• 10000+ International Runs

*Note: Shri Ranjitsinhji and Duleepsinhji, two of the greatest cricketers of Indian origin after whom the ‘Ranji’ and ‘Duleep’ trophies are named, do not feature in this list because they represented England in their international career.

Without taking any more of your time, let’s go!

60. Kiran More (1984-1993, Baroda)

Role: Wicketkeeper/Batter

A constant figure behind the stumps for India in the late eighties, More will be remembered for the most stumpings in a match (6) in Narendra Hirwani’s debut Test where he took 16 wickets.

• Matches Played: 143
• Runs: 1848
• Player of Match Awards: 0
• Player of Series Awards: 0
• World Cup Winner? ❌
• Captained India? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: 4th Most Dismissals in Test for India

59. Amar Singh (1932-1936)

Role: Fast Bowler/All-Rounder

Along with Mohammad Nissar, made up India’s first great fast bowling pair. Unfortunately, Amar Singh died at 29 due to typhoid.

• Matches Played: 7
• Wickets: 28
• Captained India? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Scored India’s first Test half-century, First Indian to complete 1000 runs & 100 wickets in the Ranji Trophy

58. Eknath Solkar (1969-1977, Mumbai)

Role: All-Rounder

Possibly the best forward short-leg fielder of all-time, his contribution cannot be understated in uplifting India’s spin quartet. Has one Test century to his name, 8 FC tons, and 276 FC wickets.

• Matches: 34
• Runs: 1095, Wickets: 22
• World Cup Winner? ❌
• Captained India? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: 53 catches in 27 Tests, the best ratio for a non-wicketkeeper.

57. Yuzvendra Chahal (2016-, Haryana)

Role: Legspinner

The highest T20I wicket-taker for India…and has yet, never played a single T20 WC game. Was not picked for 2021 T20WC and was on the sidelines of the others (including 2024). However, it was ODI cricket between 2016-2019, where the duo of Chahal-Kuldeep became a deadly combination. Lack of batting prowess probably hurt his ability to find a place in the XI more often.

• Matches Played: 152
• Wickets: 217
• Player of Match Awards: 9
• Player of Series Awards: 2
• World Cup Winner? ✅
• Captained India? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Highest wicket-taker in T20Is for India (96)

56. Ajay Jadeja (1992-2000, Haryana)

Role: Batter/Medium Pace

5359 runs at 37.47 average with 6 ODIs in the lower middle order, Jadeja will be remembered for match-winning knocks, quick finishes, and athletic fielding. International career ended due to match-fixing investigations.

• Matches: 211
• Runs: 5935
• Player of Match Awards: 10
• Player of Series Awards: 1
• World Cup Winner? ❌
• Captained India? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: 50 dismissals to his name in ODIs to go along with 5000 runs

55. Irfan Pathan (2003-2012, Baroda)

Role: All-Rounder

Player of the match in the 2007 T20 World Cup Final and a hat-trick in the opening over against Pakistan. Had the banana swing, could york Adam Gilchrist, could bat at #3 in ODIs, and had a Test century to his name. Yet we all somehow feel that he could have been much, much more.

• Matches: 173
• Wickets: 301
• Player of Match Awards: 13
• Player of Series Awards: 2
• World Cup Winner? ✅
• Captained India? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Opened the batting and bowling in the same Test, Best of 7/59 in a Test innings (vs Zimbabwe, 2005)

54. Bapu Nadkarni (1955-1968, Mumbai)

Role: Left Arm Spinner

Perhaps India’s most economical bowler of all-time, career economy of 1.67 after 67 innings. Also scored 122* and 7 other Test fifties.

• Matches Played: 41
• Wickets: 88
• Captained India? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Bowled 21.5 consecutive overs without conceding a run in 1964 with figures of 32-27-5-0.

53. Mohammad Nissar (1932-1936)

Role: Fast Bowler

Regarded as India’s first true fast bowler. According to ESPNCricinfo, Nissar was ‘possibly one of the fastest they have ever produced.’

• Matches Played: 6
• Wickets: 25
• Captained India?

Notable Achievements: Figures of 5/93, 5/90, 3/36, 2/125, and 5/120 in 5 of his 11 innings.

52. Cottari Kanakaiya Nayudu (1932-1936, Central Provinces)

Role: Batter

India’s first Test captain in 1932. Although Nayudu only played 7 Tests, he built a 207-match FC career with 11,825 runs and 26 centuries.

• Matches Played: 7
• Runs: 350
• Captained India? ✅

Notable Achievements: Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1933), Lifetime Achievement Award named after him

51. Dilip Sardesai (1961-1972, Mumbai)

Role: Batter

Pivotal to India’s maiden Test series victory in England, Sardesai had a fruitful 1971. 789 runs at 60.69 with three centuries. Also had a spectacular 1965, averaging 120 in 3 Tests against New Zealand.

• Matches Played: 30
• Runs: 2001
• World Cup Winner? ❌
• Captained India? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: 642 Runs in West Indies (1970-71), 449 vs England (1963-64), scored 200* as his first hundred

50. Vijay Manjrekar (1951-1965, Bombay)

Role: Batter

Solid batter, had a great record against New Zealand – 507 runs at 84.5 with 3 centuries and England – 1181 runs at 43.74 with 3 centuries and 5 fifties. Scored 38 first class tons.

• Matches Played: 55
• Runs: 3208
• Captained India? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: 586 runs vs England (1961-62), Scored 100 in final Test

49. Farokh Engineer (1961-1975, Mumbai/Lancashire)

Role: Wicket-keeper

India’s best wicketkeeper before Kirmani. Had the challenge to keep to the Fab 4 spin quartet. Handy batter himself, scored 2 Test hundreds and 16 fifties.

• Matches Played: 51
• Runs: 2725
• Player of Match Awards: 2 (1 ‘fielder of the match’)
• World Cup Winner? ❌
• Captained India? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Took 66 catches and inflicted 16 stumpings in Tests.

48. Navjot Singh Sidhu (1983-1999, Punjab)

Role: Batter

Now known for his public speaking abilities, it was Sidhu’s bat that did the talking in the late 80s and early 90s. Could hit sixes at will and established a formidable career as an opener. Has a double century to his name in the West Indies.

• Matches Played: 187
• Runs: 7615
• Player of Match Awards: 15
• Player of Series Awards: 4
• World Cup Winner? ❌
• Captained India? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Scored four consecutive centuries in the 1987 ODI WC

47. Ravi Shastri (1981-1992, Mumbai)

Role: All-Rounder

Player of the series in the 1985 World Championship of Cricket, Shastri won several matches for India in his career. Scored 11 Test hundreds including a 206 in Sydney along with 11 four-wicket hauls in Tests. Later, coached Team India and lives in the hearts & minds of Indian cricket fans through his voice.

• Matches Played: 230
• Wickets: 280, Runs: 6938
• Player of Match Awards: 14
• Player of Series Awards: 4
• World Cup Winner? ✅
• Captained India? ✅ (11 ODIs, 1 Test)
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: 77.75 average vs Australia (10 Tests), Player of the series (World Championship of Cricket)

46. Syed Kirmani (1976-1986, Karnataka)

Role: Wicket-keeper/Batter

Was the central figure behind the stumps in the seventies and eighties. Kept for India’s spin quartet, the dibbly dobbly medium pacers, and Kapil Dev. Two Test tons to his name as well.

• Matches Played: 137
• Runs: 3132
• Player of Match Awards: 0
• Player of Series Awards: 0
• World Cup Winner? ✅
• Captained India? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: 3rd Most stumpings in a career.

45. Ajit Wadekar (1966-1974, Mumbai)

India’s captain in the overseas 1971 Test victories over England and West Indies. Although he only had a solitary hundred in Test cricket (143), he dominated FC cricket: 15380 runs at 47.03 average and 36 centuries.

• Matches Played: 39
• Runs: 2186
• World Cup Winner? ❌
• Captained India? ✅
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Got close to Test hundred several times: 99, 91*, 91, 87, 85, 80.

44. Rishabh Pant (2017-, Delhi)

Role: Wicket-keeper/Batter

Uncoventional, yet effective. Pant may rise up this list as his career grows, but he has already made a case for himself with his exploits in Test cricket, especially against Australia. 89* at the Gabba, 97 at Sydney (2021), 159* also at Sydney (2019), 146 at Birmingham, and 114 at the Oval. Also to make an international comeback and and help India lift the 2024 T20WC squad after the accident that changed his life around is a wonderful story on its own. Short career so far, but impactful nevertheless.

• Matches Played: 139
• Runs: 4345
• Player of Match Awards: 4
• Player of Series Awards: 1
• World Cup Winner? ✅
• Captained India? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Joint Most dismissal in a Test match (11 vs Australia, 2018), Six times dismissed in the 90s in Test cricket

Also Read: India Vs Australia Series Review 2020-21: The Greatest Story of Them All? Better Than Ashes 2005?

43. Krishnamachari Srikkanth (1981-1992, Tamil Nadu)

Role: Batter

Before Sehwag, there was Srikkanth. Scoring 4091 ODI runs with 4 hundreds at 71.74 SR (quick for the time) established him as India’s mainstay at the top of the order. Top scored in the 1983 WC Final.

• Matches Played: 189
• Runs: 6153
• Player of Match Awards: 13
• Player of Series Awards: 1
• World Cup Winner? ✅
• Captained India? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Has a high score of 123 in both Tests and ODIs, Most Runs in World Championship of Cricket (1985)

42. Ishant Sharma (2007-, Delhi)

Role: Bowler

Ishant Sharma’s spell against Ricky Ponting had everyone convinced that India had found their next fast bowling sensation. Did he fulfill his potential? Maybe, maybe not. Described as ‘unlucky’ for early part of the career, the 2011 series against West Indies rejuvenated his Test career. He would go on to establish himself as the leader of the attack with a magnificent 7/74 at Lord’s in 2014.

• Matches Played: 199
• Wickets: 434
• Player of Match Awards: 6
• Player of Series Awards: 3
• World Cup Winner? ❌
• Captained India? ❌
• 100 Tests? ✅

Notable Achievements: 22 wickets vs West Indies (2011)

41. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2012-, Uttar Pradesh)

Role: Bowler

One of India’s most gifted swing bowlers. Set the tone in ODI cricket. Had his best Test against England at Lord’s in 2014 when he took 6/82. Also made several crucial runs at #8.

• Matches Played: 229
• Wickets: 294
• Player of Match Awards: 11
• Player of Series Awards: 4
• World Cup Winner? ❌
• Captained India? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: 4th Most Maidens in T20I career (10)

40. Lala Amarnath (1933-1952, Punjab)

Role: Batter

Scored India’s first Test ton (and his only 100) and was independent India’s first Test captain. Also scored 31 first class hundreds and took 463 wickets to go along with 10,426 FC runs. A prominent figure in India’s early cricket history and contributed through various roles after his cricketing career.

• Matches Played: 24
• Runs: 878
• World Cup Winner? ❌
• Captained India? ✅

Notable Achievements: Scored India’s first Test hundred

39. Syed Mushtaq Ali (1934-1952, Central India)

Role: Batter/Left Arm Spin

Went onto score 112 during the partnership of 203 with Vijay Merchant, becoming the first Indian to score an overseas Test hundred. Had an outstanding FC career with 30 tons and over 13,000 runs.

• Matches Played: 11
• Runs: 612
• Captained India? ✅

Notable Achievements: Scored India’s first overseas Test century, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is named after him

38. Suryakumar Yadav (2021-, Mumbai)

Role: Batter

Not being picked for most of his 20s, Suryakumar Yadav has made the most of his opportunities since 2021. 2432* T20I runs with 4 T20I hundreds, 20 fifties, 168.65 SR at 42.66 average not only make him India’s premier T20 batter, but one of the best T20I batters of all-time.

• Matches Played: 109
• Runs: 3213
• Player of Match Awards: 16
• Player of Series Awards: 6
• World Cup Winner? ✅
• Captained India? ✅
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Most Player of the Match Awards in T20Is (16), 2nd Most T20I runs in a year (1164 in 2022)

*still playing

37. Suresh Raina (2005-2018, Uttar Pradesh)

Role: Batter

India’s number 4-5-6 of Yuvraj-Dhoni-Raina is one of the most dynamic middle orders of all-time. Raina had it all, the off spin, the fielding, and the batting. His clutch finishes in the 2011 QF and SF will be remembered for generations to come. 5615 ODI runs at 93.5 SR establishes him as an ODI great.

• Matches Played: 322
• Runs: 7988
• Player of Match Awards: 15
• Player of Series Awards: 3
• World Cup Winner? ✅
• Captained India? ✅
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Hit century on Test debut (120), First Indian to score a century in each format

36. Javagal Srinath (1991-2003, Karnataka)

Role: Fast bowler

One of the fastest bowlers India produced and the spearhead of the attack in the 90s in both formats.

• Matches Played: 296
• Wickets: 551
• Player of Match Awards: 12
• Player of Series Awards: 0
• World Cup Winner? ❌
• Captained India? ✅
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: 2nd Highest Wicket Taker for India in ODIs, Best of 8/86 vs Pakistan in Tests

35. Mohammad Shami (2013-, Bengal)

Role: Bowler

Mohammad Shami in the ODI World Cups is a legendary figure. 55 wickets, best of 7/57 at the best average (13.52) and best strike rate (15.81) of anyone in the list. Don’t forget his memorable spells in Test cricket either.

• Matches Played: 188
• Wickets: 448
• Player of Match Awards: 9
• Player of Series Awards: 1
• World Cup Winner? ❌
• Captained India? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: 5th Most Wickets in ODI World Cups (55)

34. Gautam Gambhir (2003-2016, Delhi)

Role: Batter

Possibly India’s most misunderstood cricketer, Gautam Gambhir’s performances at clutch times established him as the batter of his times. The 2007 T20 WC Final, 2011 ODI WC Final, and the stonewalling 137 against New Zealand will be remembered as his most prominent knocks.

• Matches Played: 242
• Runs: 10324
• Player of Match Awards: 15
• Player of Series Awards: 1
• World Cup Winner? ✅
• Captained India? ✅
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Highest Individual Scorer in the 2007 T20 World Cup Final (75) and the 2011 ODI World Cup Final (97), 463 runs vs Australia (2008-09), 445 runs vs New Zealand (2008-09)

33. Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi (1961-1975, Sussex)

Role: Batter

Considered one of India’s greatest captains. Led India in its first overseas Test win (NZ, 1967).

• Matches Played: 46
• Runs: 2793
• Player of Match Awards: 1 (‘batsman of the match’)
• World Cup Winner? ❌
• Captained India? ✅
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1968), Made 64 (206) and 148 (348) at #6 vs England in 1967. This still stands as a record for the most number of balls played by a #6 batter in the history of Test cricket (554).

32. Srinivas Venkataraghavan (1965-1983, Madras)

Role: Spinner

Although Venkataraghavan had 1390 wickets in his first class career, he was often left out as the fourth of the spin quartet. Yet he played for 18 years and took 156 Test wickets. Was India’s captain in the 1975 & 1979 ODI World Cups.

• Matches Played: 72
• Wickets: 161
• Player of Match Awards: 0
• Player of Series Awards: 0
• World Cup Winner? ❌
• Captained India? ✅ (7 Tests, 5 ODIs)
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Best of 8/72 vs New Zealand (1965), took 35 wickets in the 1970-71 season

31. Mohinder Amarnath (1969-1989, Punjab/Delhi)

Role: All-Rounder

Will always be remembered for the player of the match in the 1983 ODI WC that changed the nature of Indian cricket. Was a stellar batter in his own right. In the 1982 season, he scored 1077 runs, 4 hundreds, and 7 fifties.

• Matches Played: 154
• Runs: 6302, Wickets: 78
• Player of Match Awards: 10
• Player of Series Awards: 2
• World Cup Winner? ✅
• Captained India? ✅
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Player of the 1983 World Cup Final, 598 runs vs West Indies (1982-83), 584 vs Pakistan (1982-83), 445 runs vs Australia (1977-78), 237 runs & 8 wickets in 1983 ODI WC

The Top 30

30. Erapalli Prasanna (1962-1978, Karnataka)

Role: Off-Spinner

Yet another member of the famed quartet, Prasanna was known for his flight. Dominated the Trans-Tasman teams in the late 1960s and the main contributor to India’s first Test overseas victory in New Zealand. He was a beast at the FC level, 957 wickets and 54,823 balls bowled. He was also an engineer.

• Matches Played: 49
• Wickets: 189
• Player of Match Awards: 1 (‘bowler of the match’)
• World Cup Winner? ❌
• Captained India? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: 26 Wickets vs Australia (1969-70), 25 Wickets vs Australia (1967-68), 24 Wicket vs New Zealand (1967-68), 8/76 vs New Zealand

29. Shikhar Dhawan (2010-, Delhi)

A player for the ICC tournaments like no other. Shikhar Dhawan between 2013-2019 was one of India’s prime match winners. Unfortunate injury in the 2019 World Cup ended his stint at the top, but not before he scored yet another magnificent century. Formed the star top order with Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli.

• Matches Played: 269
• Runs: 10867
• Player of Match Awards: 19
• Player of Series Awards: 4
• World Cup Winner? ❌
• Captained India? ✅
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: 187 on Test debut, Player of the Series & Most Runs – 2013 Champions Trophy, Most Runs – 2017 Champions Trophy, Highest Runs for India – 2015 ODI World Cup, Scored 5193 runs with Rohit Sharma

28. Bhagwath Chandrasekhar (1964-1979, Karnataka)

Role: Legspinner

Marred by polio, Chandrasekhar had a different sort of jumpy action. The fact that he established a career is astonishing by itself. That he took 242 Test wickets, 42 in overseas conditions, is even more staggering.

• Matches Played: 59
• Wickets: 245
• Player of Match Awards: 1 (‘bowler of the match’)
• World Cup Winner? ❌
• Captained India? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: 35 wickets vs England (1972-73), 28 Wickets vs Australia (1977-78), Best of 8/79 vs England (1972), 16 career 50fers

27. Cheteshwar Pujara (2010-, Saurashtra)

Role: Batter

The Ashes documentary sums up the significance of Cheteshwar Pujara pretty well. ‘This man just bats…and bats…and bats…’ India will always remain indebted to Pujara for their first Test series victory in Australia in 2018. And in the 2020-21 series, he was just as gritty, assured, and monumental to India’s win. With 100 Tests and 19 hundreds to his name, he is has become a certified legend.

• Matches Played: 108
• Runs: 7246
• Player of Match Awards: 6
• Player of Series Awards: 2
• World Cup Winner? ❌
• Captained India? ❌
• 100 Tests? ✅

Notable Achievements: 521 runs vs Australia (2018-2019)

Also Read: Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) India Australia Test Series: The Definitive Guide (Updated 2023), Top 10 Life Lessons From India Vs Australia 2020: Courage, Character, Resilience – Which One Is Your Favorite?

26. Gundappa Viswanath (1969-1983, Karnataka)

Role: Batter

One of the more stylish batters, Viswanath was a mainstay of the Indian middle order for much of the 1970s. His name is connected to Sunil Gavaskar in more ways than one.

• Matches Played: 116
• Runs: 6519
• Player of Match Awards: 2
• Player of Series Awards: 0
• World Cup Winner? ❌
• Captained India? ✅ (2 Tests, 1 ODI)
• 100 Tests? ✅

Notable Achievements: 568 runs vs West Indies (1974-75), 518 runs vs Australia (1979-1980), 497 vs West Indies (1978-79), 473 vs Australia (1977-78), 466 vs England (1981-82), Scored a century on debut

25. Ravindra Jadeja (2009-, Saurashtra)

Role: All-Rounder

A man with three FC triple centuries batting at #8 shows you the depth in Indian cricket. Jadeja can finish T20 games, can score 77 in an ODI World Cup semi-final, destroy opponents with his spin or with his iconic direct hits. An all-rounder in all sense of the game. Currently #7 on India’s most Test & ODI wicket-taker list and still rising up the charts. 25 player of the match awards – Wow!

• Matches Played: 343
• Wickets: 568, Runs: 6307
• Player of Match Awards: 25
• Player of Series Awards: 2
• World Cup Winner? ✅
• Captained India? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: 26 Wickets vs England (2016-17), 26 Wickets vs Australia (2016-17), 24 Wickets vs Australia (2012-13), 23 wickets vs South Africa (2015-16), Best of 7/42 vs Australia (2023), Most Wickets in the 2013 Champions Trophy

24. Zaheer Khan (2000-2014, Baroda/Mumbai)

Role: Bowler

India’s 2011 World Cup is remembered by many moments—Dhoni’s 97* and the six, Gambhir’s 91, Yuvraj Singh’s all-round performances, Suresh Raina’s crucial finishes, Tendulkar’s hundreds. But none of it would be possible without Zaheer Khan’s 21 wickets (joint most of the WC). His Test career was pretty stellar as well with 311 wickets. His stellar record against Graeme smith, the swing, his action, and celebrations will be what he is remembered by.

• Matches Played: 303
• Wickets: 597
• Player of Match Awards: 12
• Player of Series Awards: 3
• World Cup Winner? ✅
• Captained India? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌ (92)

Notable Achievements: Highest Wicket-Taker of the 2011 ODI CWC

23. Dilip Vengsarkar (1976-1992, Mumbai)

Role: Batter

116 Tests, 6868 runs, 17 hundreds, 42.13 average. By the time he retired, he was statistically the best batter in the country after Sunil Gavaskar. Made the #3 position his own.

• Matches Played: 245
• Runs: 10376
• Player of Match Awards: 9
• Player of Series Awards: 3
• World Cup Winner? ✅
• Captained India? ✅
• 100 Tests? ✅

Notable Achievements: Scored 4 hundreds in 1979, 4 in 1986, and 4 in 1987.

22. Mohammad Azharuddin (1984-2000, Hyderabad)

Role: Batter

Captain charismatic, wristy, and soft spoken, Azharuddin ruled the hearts of Indian cricket fans in the 90s. With 9378 ODI runs and 6215 Test runs, Azhar was central to India’s middle order. Unfortunately, the match fixing scandal brought down his career.

• Matches Played: 433
• Runs: 15593
• Player of Match Awards: 23
• Player of Series Awards: 6
• World Cup Winner? ❌
• Captained India? ✅
• 100 Tests? ❌ (99)

Notable Achievements: Scored hundreds in 3 consecutive Tests, scored a hundred on debut.

21. Vijay Merchant (1933-1951, Mumbai)

Role: Batter

Regarded as “Bradman of the East”, Merchant scored 13470 first class runs at an average of 71.64 with 45 centuries. His international career was stalled due to the Second World War, but was considered one of the greats of the era. Spearheaded the legacy of Bombay’s batting in Indian cricket.

• Matches Played: 10
• Runs: 859
• Captained India? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Scored his highest score of 154 in his last innings in 1951.

20. Harbhajan Singh (1998-2016, Punjab)

Role: Spinner

If you are an Indian cricket fan, you have copied Harbhajan Singh’s bowling action in your living room on your way to the kitchen. Harbhajan was a mainstay in India’s XI for the better part of the decade in both Tests and ODIs. His contributions to the 2001 Australia series will always go down as one of India’s best individual performances. Also a handy six hitter down the order.

• Matches Played: 365
• Wickets: 707
• Player of Match Awards: 11
• Player of Series Awards: 4
• World Cup Winner? ✅✅
• Captained India? ❌
• 100 Tests? ✅

Notable Achievements: 25 career Test 5-fers, 32 Wickets vs Australia (2000-01), Best of 8/84 vs Australia

19. Vijay Hazare (1946-1953, Maharashtra/Baroda)

Role: Batter/All-Rounder

47.65 average with 7 centuries in Test cricket. His record in FC cricket even more incredible—18,740 runs, 60 tons, average of 58.38, and a couple of triple centuries to go with it. Also had 595 first class wickets. Led India to its first Test win, and according to The Wisden Cricketer, “When World II brought cricket to a standstill, much of the credit for keeping the game alive in India must go to Hazare, who with Vijay Merchant took part in run-scoring duels that drew crowds of 20-30,000 to Bombay’s Braborne Stadium.”

• Matches Played: 30
• Runs: 2192
• Captained India? ✅

Notable Achievements: Scored an innings in each Test against Australia, first Indian to do so, scored centuries in 3 consecutive Tests, 543 runs vs West Indies (1948-49), first Indian cricketer to score a Ranji trophy triple century. The Vijay Hazare Trophy is named in his honor

18. Subhash Gupte (1951-1961, Bombay)

Role: Legspinner

Gupte was considered the best leg spinner of his era. His 9/102 was the best individual performance for decades to come. Unfortunately, he ended his career at 32 after a controversy in which he was wrongfully accused.

• Matches Played: 36
• Wickets: 149
• Captained India? ❌

Notable Achievements: 34 wickets vs New Zealand (1955-56), 27 Wickets vs West Indies (1952-53), 9/102 vs West Indies (1958)

17. Vinoo Mankad (1946-1959, Gujarat/Bombay)

Role: All-Rounder

According to Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, Mankad was “one of the greatest allrounders that India has ever produced.” His name gets maligned with the form of dismissal, but Mankad is truly one of India’s legends. Was the other batter with Pankaj Roy in the record 413-run partnership.

• Matches Played: 44
• Runs: 2109, Wickets: 162
• Captained India? ✅

Notable Achievements: 526 runs vs New Zealand (1955-56), 34 wickets vs England (1951-52), 25 wickets vs Pakistan (1952-53), 8/52 vs Pakistan (1952), 9/55 vs England (1952)

16. Yuvraj Singh (2000-2017, Punjab)

Role: All-Rounder

When Yuvraj was on rhythm, there was no stopping him. He performed when it mattered the most, 2002 Natwest Trophy Final, 2007 SF vs Australia, and 2011 – The Entire World Cup with both bat and ball. With the backdrop of cancer in the 2011 CWC, Yuvraj’s story is extraordinary. India never really truly replaced Yuvraj at #4 for the better part of the decade.

• Matches Played: 399
• Runs: 11686
• Player of Match Awards: 34
• Player of Series Awards: 8
• World Cup Winner? ✅✅
• Captained India? ❌
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Six sixes vs England in the 2007 T20 World Cup, Player of the Tournament – 2011 ODI WC

15. Jasprit Bumrah (2016-, Gujarat)

Role: Bowler

Without Bumrah, there would be no 2024 T20 World Cup victory. Without Bumrah, there wouldn’t be several of the Test victories. When India needs to pull victory from the jaws of defeat, the ball is thrown to Jasprit Bumrah. Once in a generation comes a player so unique that everybody can just sit back and appreciate. We don’t know how Bumrah does what he does, but he is India’s national treasure for sure.

• Matches Played: 195
• Wickets: 397
• Player of Match Awards: 13
• Player of Series Awards: 5
• World Cup Winner? ✅
• Captained India? ✅
• 100 Tests? ❌ (Not Yet)

Notable Achievements: Player of the Tournament in the 2024 T20 World Cup, 23 wickets vs England (2021-22)

14. VVS Laxman (1996-2012, Hyderabad)

Role: Batter

Perhaps played the greatest innings in the 21st century. The 281 against Australia came against a rampant Australian side while Indian cricket was reeling with the match-fixing scandal. VVS Laxman’s innings changed the narrative and drew India into its golden age. Will be remembered for his knocks against Australia across formats as well as the three gutsy rearguard knocks in 2010.

• Matches Played: 220
• Runs: 11119
• Player of Match Awards: 10
• Player of Series Awards: 1
• World Cup Winner? ❌
• Captained India? ❌
• 100 Tests? ✅

Notable Achievements: 503 runs vs Australia (2000-01), 494 runs vs Australia (2003-04), 474 runs vs West Indies (2002)

13. Virender Sehwag (1999-2013, Delhi)

Role: Batter

319, 309, 293, 254. Virender Sehwag’s legacy will forever be attached to his mammoth Test hundreds. He set the tone in ODI cricket as an opener, but it was Test cricket where Viru’s greatness is defined.

• Matches Played: 363
• Runs: 16892
• Player of Match Awards: 31
• Player of Series Awards: 6
• World Cup Winner? ✅✅
• Captained India? ✅
• 100 Tests? ✅

Notable Achievements: Highest Individual Test Score for India, 219 in ODI, 544 runs vs Pakistan (2004-05), 491 vs Sri Lanka (2009-10), 464 vs Australia (2003-04)

12. Bishan Singh Bedi (1966-1979, Delhi)

Role: Left Arm Spin

According to Sunil Gavaskar, Bedi was the “finest left-hand bowler” he had ever seen. At the time of his retirement, Bedi’s was the highest wicket-taker in Tests for India (266). Also took a mammoth 1560 wickets in first class cricket thanks to his exploits with Northamptonshire in County Cricket. Formed India’s fearsome spin quartet.

• Matches Played: 77
• Wickets: 273
• World Cup Winner? ❌
• Captained India? ✅
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: 31 Wickets vs Australia (1977-78), 25 Wickets vs England (1976-77), 25 Wickets vs England (1972-73), 22 wickets vs New Zealand (1976-77), 14 career 5-fers

11. Sourav Ganguly (1992-2008, Bengal)

Role: Batter, Medium Pace

All the accolades India are receiving now can be traced back to the captaincy of Sourav Ganguly. He instilled confidence in the young side and helped build the cored that lifted the 2011 ODI World Cup (Zaheer, Sehwag, Yuvraj). Apart from captaincy, will go down as one of the great ODI batters in the history of the game.

• Matches Played: 421
• Runs: 18433
• Player of Match Awards: 37
• Player of Series Awards: 9
• World Cup Winner? ❌
• Captained India? ✅
• 100 Tests? ✅

Notable Achievements: 534 runs vs Pakistan (2007-08), 4th Most Player of the Match Awards for India

The Top 10

10. Ravichandran Ashwin (2010-, Tamil Nadu)

Role: Off-spinner/All-Rounder

One of the great Test off-spinners of all-time, Ravichandran Ashwin helped establish the home Tests as a fortress. Apart from bowling, Ashwin established himself as one of premier spinner all-rounders of the generations with six Test centuries. His fighting spirit in BGT in the Sydney Test, holding up an end while battling a back injury epitomizes his character. One of the great thinkers of the game.

• Matches Played: 281
• Wickets: 744, Runs: 4200
• Player of Match Awards: 16
• Player of Series Awards: 11
• World Cup Winner? ✅
• Captained India? ❌
• 100 Tests? ✅

Notable Achievements: 32 Wickets vs England (2020-21), 31 Wickets vs South Africa (1979-1980), 29 Wickets vs Australia (2012-13), 28 Wickets vs England (2016-17), 27 Wickets vs New Zealand (2016-17), 26 Wickets vs England (2023-24), 25 Wickets vs Australia (2022-23), 36 career 5-fers

Also Read: 13 Insanely Jaw Dropping Moments That Show How Ravichandran Ashwin Changed the Way You Think About Cricket

9. Polly Umrigar (1948-1962, Mumbai)

Role: Batter/All-Rounder

Took the baton from Vijay Merchant to continue to Mumbai school of batting. At the time of his retirement, Umrigar held the record for the most Tests, most runs, and most wickets.

• Matches Played: 59
• Runs: 3631
• World Cup Winner? ❌
• Captained India? ✅

Notable Achievements: 560 runs vs West Indies (1952-53), Scored a 100 and took 5 wickets vs West Indies (1962)

8. Rohit Sharma (2007-, Mumbai)

Role: Batter

One of the most pleasing batters to watch (especially the pull shot), Sharma has a made a career on the back of gigantic ODI hundreds: 264, 209, 208*, 171*, 162, 159, 152*, 150. Begun as a 2007 T20 World Cup champion, dropped before the 2011 WC, and reinvented his career as an opener in 2013. Post-2013, he never looked back. Finally made it big as a Test opener late in his career and capped his legacy with the great runs in the 2023 ODI WC and the 2024 T20 WC win as captain.

• Matches Played: 481
• Runs: 19199
• Player of Match Awards: 42
• Player of Series Awards: 9
• World Cup Winner? ✅✅
• Captained India? ✅
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: 2024 T20 World Cup & 2025 ICC Champions Trophy winning captain, 529 runs vs South Africa (2019-20), Scored 3 double centuries in ODI cricket

7. Anil Kumble (1990-2008, Karnataka)

Role: Legspinner

‘Jumbo’ is still India’s highest wicket-taker in ODIs and Tests. A central figure in India’s XI for a decade and a half, he will always be remembered for his 10-wicket inning haul against Pakistan. Retired on a high as India’s Test captain.

• Matches Played: 401
• Wickets: 953
• Player of Match Awards: 16
• Player of Series Awards: 5
• World Cup Winner? ❌
• Captained India? ✅
• 100 Tests? ✅

Notable Achievements: 35 career 5-fers, 27 Wickets vs Australia (2004-05), 24 wickets vs Australia (2003-04), 23 wickets vs Australia (1997-98), 23 wickets vs West Indies (2006), 10/74 vs Pakistan and 8/141 vs Australia

6. Rahul Dravid (1996-2012, Karnataka)

Role: Batter, Wicketkeeper

The man in the center of each of India’s memorable overseas Test victories, Rahul Dravid, ‘The Wall’ was the glue to India’s middle order. He adapted his way to a fruitful ODI career, became a wicketkeeper, a captain, and eventually an U-19 & senior World Cup winning coach.

• Matches Played: 504
• Runs: 24064
• Player of Match Awards: 25
• Player of Series Awards: 4
• World Cup Winner? ❌ (Not as player)
• Captained India? ✅
• 100 Tests? ✅

Notable Achievements: 619 runs vs Australia (2003-04), 602 vs England (2002), 496 runs vs West Indies (2006), 461 runs vs England (2011), Highest Scorer of the 1999 ODI Cricket World Cup

Also Read: Rahul Dravid Biography: What Dravid Taught Me, Dravid’s Ode to Joy, A Symphonic Masterpiece as Team India Lifts the 2024 T20 World Cup

5. MS Dhoni (2004-2019, Jharkhand)

Role: Wicketkeeper, Batter

MS Dhoni arrived to the scene with the 148 v Pakistan and 183* v Sri Lanka in 2005 with that iconic hair. However, it was his exploits as captain between 2007 to 2013 (and later with the Chennai Super Kings franchise), that took him from great to legendary status. And don’t forget, behind the stumps, he was best in the business with lightning fast stumpings.

• Matches Played: 535
• Runs: 17092
• Player of Match Awards: 22
• Player of Series Awards: 6
• World Cup Winner? ✅ ✅
• Captained India? ✅
• 100 Tests? ❌

Notable Achievements: Player of the 2011 World Cup Final, Captain of India as India lifted the 2007 T20WC, 2011 ODIWC, and 2013 Champions Trophy

Also Read: MS Dhoni and SK Raina Retire: An End of An Era

4. Virat Kohli (2008-, Delhi)

Role: Batter

From a brash young man to fitness freak to the great Test captain, Virat Kohli’s evolution has been a dream to follow. Perhaps the greatest ODI batter and definitely the greatest chaser of all-time, his attitude defined his greatness and carried India to the upper echelons of world cricket.

• Matches Played: 531
• Runs: 26922*
• Player of Match Awards: 67
• Player of Series Awards: 19
• World Cup Winner? ✅ ✅
• Captained India? ✅
• 100 Tests? ✅

Notable Achievements:

• 692 runs vs Australia (BGT 2014-15), 655 vs England (2016-17), 610 vs Sri Lanka (2017-18), 593 vs England (2018)

Also Read:

• Virat Kohli’s 25 Best Innings Across International Formats (RANKED): Mohali 2016, MCG 2022, Hobart 133*, Adelaide 141…Which One is Your Favorite?
• 5 Ways Captain Virat Kohli Transformed Indian Cricket
• Virat Kohli Net Worth 2023 (in Dollars USD and Indian Rupee INR)
• How Many Test Centuries has Virat Kohli Scored? (The Complete Guide) List of Virat Kohli’s 29 Test Centuries
• How Many ODI Centuries has Virat Kohli Scored? (The Complete Guide) List of Virat Kohli’s 47 ODI Centuries

3. Kapil Dev (1978-1994, Haryana)

Role: All-Rounder

Captain. All-rounder. Fast Bowler. Lower Order Six Hitter. India has never and may never see an enigmatic character like Kapil Dev again. 434 wickets and 175* in the pivotal 1983 WC match against Zimbabwe are some of the highlights of his career.

• Matches Played: 356
• Wickets: 687, Runs: 9031
• Player of Match Awards: 19
• Player of Series Awards: 5
• World Cup Winner? ✅
• Captained India? ✅
• 100 Tests? ✅

Notable Achievements: India’s first WC winning captain, 303 runs & 12 wickets in the 1983 WC, 23 career Test 5-fers, Best of 9/83 vs WI, 8/85 vs Pakistan, and 8/106 vs Australia, 32 Wickets vs Pakistan (1979-1980), 29 wickets vs West Indies (1983-84), 28 Wickets vs Australia (1979-1980), 25 wickets vs Australia (1991-92), 24 wickets vs Pakistan (1982-83)

2. Sunil Gavaskar (1971-1987, Mumbai)

Role: Batter

India’s first superstar, Sunil Gavaskar defied bowling attacks around the world without a helmet. 10,000 runs and 34 Test hundreds became the benchmark for other batters to follow. The original ‘Little Master.’

• Matches Played: 233
• Runs: 13214
• Player of Match Awards: 10
• Player of Series Awards: 3
• World Cup Winner? ✅
• Captained India? ✅
• 100 Tests? ✅

Notable Achievements: 774 runs in West Indies (1970-71), 732 runs vs West Indies in India (1978-1979), 542 runs vs England (1979), 529 runs vs Pakistan (1979-1980), 505 runs vs West Indies (1983-84), 500 runs vs England (1981-82), 450 runs vs Australia (1977-78), 447 runs vs Pakistan (1977-78), World Championship of Cricket Winning Captain (1985)

1. Sachin Tendulkar (1989-2013, Mumbai)

Role: Batter, Legspin/Medium Pace/Offspin

Virat Kohli summed up Tendulkar’s contribution aptly after the 2011 ODI World Cup triumph, “Tendulkar has carried the burden of the nation for 21 years.” Probably the greatest batter since Donald Bradman, Tendulkar was the soul of Indian cricket for two decades. Oh and his 154 ODI wickets largely go unnoticed in a career of stellar batting performances, but could have made a career as a successful leg spinner as well.

• Matches Played: 664
• Runs: 34357, Wickets: 201
• Player of Match Awards: 76
• Player of Series Awards: 19
• World Cup Winner? ✅
• Captained India? ✅
• 100 Tests? ✅✅

Notable Achievements: Highest Scorer in the 1996, 2003, 2011 WCs, 51 Test 100s, 49 ODI 100s (Hundred Hundreds), First Player to Breach the 200-run mark in ODI cricket, 493 runs vs Australia (2007-08), 446 runs vs Australia (1997-98)

Also Read:

• Sachin Tendulkar Life Lessons: What Sachin Tendulkar God of Cricket Taught Me
• Sachin Tendulkar Centuries (The Definitive Guide): Everything You Need To Know About Sachin Tendulkar’s Hundred 100s
• How Many ODI World Cups Did Sachin Tendulkar Play in?
• Most Centuries in International Cricket Across Formats

Other Indian Cricketers with Memorable Performances Who Did Not Make the Final Cut

• Mohammad Kaif – Natwest Series Final & for his contribution in fielding
• Jasubhai Patel (9/69 vs Australia)
• Sanjay Manjrekar (569 runs vs Pakistan, 1989-90)
• Shivlal Yadav (24 wickets vs Australia, 1979-80)
• Laxman Sivaramakrishnan (23 wickets vs England, 1984-85, Most Wickets in World Championship of Cricket)
• Yashpal Sharma (240 runs in 1983 ODIWC)
• Salim Durani (23 Wickets vs England, 1961-62)
• Narendra Hirwani (8/61 & 8/75 vs West Indies, 1988)
• Sandeep Patil (216 runs in 1983 ODI WC),
• Maninder Singh (7/27 vs Pakistan), Venkatapathy Raju
• Ghulam Ahmed (7/49 Best)
• Dilip Doshi (27 wickets vs Australia, 1979-1980)
• Karun Nair – Test Triple Century
• Dinesh Karthik – Nidahas Trophy Final

Some Other Indian Cricketers That Missed Out

Pragyan Ojha, Amit Mishra, Vinod Kambli, Sreesanth, Wasim Jaffer, Chetan Sharma, Joginder Sharma, Sreesanth, Piyush Chawla, Madan Lal, Sandeep Patil, Balwinder Sandhu, Sunil Valson, Anshuman Gaekwad, Yusuf Pathan, R.P. Singh, Robin Uthappa, Munaf Patel, Shardul Thakur, Shivam Dube, Sanju Samson, Nayan Mongia, Parthiv Patel, Sreesanth, Balwinder Singh Sandhu, Budhi Kunderan, Praveen Kumar, N Contractor, Chandu Borde, M.L. Jaisimha, Surinder Amarnath, Madhav Apte, Mayank Agarwal, Deepak Shodhan, Rusi Modi, WV Raman, Yajurvindra Singh

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