Best Indian Batsmen
Cricket has become a religion in India and over the years, the country has produced some of the greatest batsmen in the world. From classical stroke-makers to aggressive game-changers, Indian cricket has been blessed with legends who have left their indelible mark on the game. In this article,
we will take you through the top 10 best Indian batsmen and analyse their careers, achievements, and contributions to Indian cricket. Each player will be discussed in detail, including their batting styles, key performances, and major awards. Stay tuned till the end.
Top 10 Best Indian Batsmen list
#1. Sachin Tendulkar – The Cricketing Legend
- Career Span:** 1989–2013
- Matches (Tests/ODIs):** 200/463
- Runs (Tests/ODIs):** 15,921/18,426
- Average (Tests/ODIs):** 53.78/44.83
- Centuries (Tests/ODIs):** 51/49
Sachin Tendulkar, often called the “God of Cricket,” is arguably the greatest batsman in history. His career spanned 24 years, during which he broke countless records and set benchmarks that may never be surpassed.
Key Achievements
Highest run-scorer in Test cricket (15,921 runs) and One Day Internationals (18,426 runs).
The only player to score 100 international centuries (51 in Tests, 49 in ODIs).
First batsman to hit a double century in ODIs (200* vs South Africa, 2010).
Won the 2011 Cricket World Cup after six previous attempts.
- Arjuna Award (1994)**, **Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (1997–98)**, **Padma Shri (1999)**, and **Bharat Ratna (2014)**.
Legacy
Tendulkar’s technique, consistency, and ability to dominate bowlers across generations made him a global icon. His battles against legends like Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, and Wasim Akram are etched in cricket folklore. Even after retirement, he remains an inspiration for aspiring cricketers.
#2. Virat Kohli – The Modern Master
- Career Span:** 2008–Present
- Matches (Tests/ODIs/T20Is):** 113/292/117
- Runs (Tests/ODIs/T20Is):** 8,848/13,848/4,037
- Average (Tests/ODIs/T20Is):** 49.15/58.67/51.75
- Centuries (Tests/ODIs/T20Is):** 29/50/1
Virat Kohli is the **best batsman of his generation, known for his aggressive style, fitness, and chasing mastery. He has redefined consistency in modern cricket.
Key Achievements
Fastest to 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, 12,000, and 13,000 runs in ODI cricket.
Holds the record for the most ODI centuries (50), second only to Tendulkar.
- Only player with **3,000+ runs in T20Is.
- Led India to **No.1 Test ranking** for five consecutive years (2016–2021).
- ICC Cricketer of the Year (2017, 2018)**, **Padma Shri (2017)**, and **Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (2018)**.
Legacy
Kohli’s intensity, work ethic, and ability to perform under pressure make him a modern great. His rivalry with bowlers like James Anderson and Jasprit Bumrah’s rise under his captaincy highlight his influence.
#3. Sunil Gavaskar – The Original Little Master
- Career Span:** 1971–1987
- Matches (Tests/ODIs):** 125/108
- Runs (Tests/ODIs):** 10,122/3,092
- Average (Tests/ODIs):** 51.12/35.13
- Centuries (Tests/ODIs):** 34/1
Sunil Gavaskar was India’s first world-class batsman, known for his flawless technique against fearsome fast bowlers.
Key Achievements
- First batsman to reach **10,000 Test runs.
- “He scored 34 Test centuries, which was a record at the time
- Played legendary innings against the **West Indies pace attack** (Hall, Marshall, Holding).
- Padma Bhushan (1980)** and **BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award (2012).
Legacy
Gavaskar laid the foundation for future Indian batsmen, proving that Indians could dominate world-class bowling.
#4. Rahul Dravid – The Wall
- Career Span:** 1996–2012
- Matches (Tests/ODIs):** 164/344
- Runs (Tests/ODIs):** 13,288/10,889
- Average (Tests/ODIs):** 52.31/39.16
- Centuries (Tests/ODIs):** 36/12
Rahul Dravid, famously called “The Wall,” was the pillar of India’s batting lineup in the 2000s.
Key Achievements
- India’s second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket, behind Tendulkar.
- Played **most balls faced in Test cricket (31,258).
- Scored **five double centuries**, including **270 vs Pakistan (2004).
- ICC Cricketer of the Year (2004)**, **Padma Shri (2004)**, and **Padma Bhushan (2013).
Legacy
Dravid’s patience and defensive mastery saved India in countless crises. His coaching contributions continue to shape Indian cricket.
#5. Sourav Ganguly – The Prince of Kolkata
- Career Span:** 1992–2008
- Matches (Tests/ODIs):** 113/311
- Runs (Tests/ODIs):** 7,212/11,363
- Average (Tests/ODIs):** 42.17/41.02
- Centuries (Tests/ODIs):** 16/22
Sourav Ganguly was a fearless leader and one of India’s best left-handed batsmen.
Key Achievements
- First Indian to score **10,000+ ODI runs**.
- Led India to **2003 World Cup final** and **historic Test wins abroad**.
- Padma Shri (2004)** and **BCCI President (2019–2022)**.
Legacy
Ganguly’s aggressive captaincy transformed India into a competitive team overseas.
#6. Virender Sehwag – The Legendary Sultan of Multan.
- Career Span:** 1999–2013
- Matches (Tests/ODIs):** 104/251
- Runs (Tests/ODIs):** 8,586/8,273
- Average (Tests/ODIs):** 49.34/35.05
- Centuries (Tests/ODIs):** 23/15
Virender Sehwag redefined aggressive Test batting with his fearless approach.
Key Achievements
- Only Indian with **two triple centuries** (319 vs SA, 309 vs Pak).
- Fastest **300 in Tests** (off 278 balls).
- ICC Test Player of the Year (2010)**.
Legacy
Sehwag’s attacking style inspired a generation of openers.
#7. Rohit Sharma – The Hitman
- Career Span:** 2007–Present
- Matches (Tests/ODIs/T20Is):** 59/262/151
- Runs (Tests/ODIs/T20Is):** 4,137/10,709/3,974
- Average (Tests/ODIs/T20Is):** 45.46/49.12/31.79
- Centuries (Tests/ODIs/T20Is):** 11/31/5
Rohit Sharma is the *best white-ball opener* of his era.
Key Achievements
- Highest individual ODI score (264)**.
- Most double centuries in ODIs (3)**.
- Led India to **five IPL titles** as captain.
- ICC ODI Player of the Year (2019)**.
Legacy
Rohit’s effortless six-hitting and captaincy make him a modern legend.
# 8. MS Dhoni – The Finisher
- Career Span:** 2004–2019
- Matches (Tests/ODIs/T20Is):** 90/350/98
- Runs (Tests/ODIs/T20Is):** 4,876/10,773/1,617
- Average (Tests/ODIs/T20Is):** 38.09/50.57/37.60
- Centuries (Tests/ODIs/T20Is):** 6/10/0
MS Dhoni was the *best finisher*in cricket history.
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Key Achievements
- Led India to **2007 T20 WC, 2011 ODI WC, and 2013 Champions Trophy**.
- Most stumpings (195) in international cricket**.
- Padma Bhushan (2018)** and **ICC ODI Player of the Year (2008, 2009)**.
Legacy
Dhoni’s calmness and finishing skills revolutionized limited-overs cricket.
# 9. Kapil Dev – The All-Rounder Legend
- Career Span:** 1978–1994
- Matches (Tests/ODIs):** 131/225
- Runs (Tests/ODIs):** 5,248/3,783
- Average (Tests/ODIs):** 31.05/23.79
- Centuries (Tests/ODIs):** 8/1
Kapil Dev was India’s **greatest all-rounder** and a destructive batsman.
Key Achievements
- Led India to **1983 World Cup win**.
- First Indian to take 400 Test wickets**.
- Padma Shri (1982)** and **Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1983)**.
Legacy
Kapil’s aggressive batting and fast bowling inspired future generations.
# 10. Cheteshwar Pujara – The New Wall
- Career Span:** 2010–Present
- Matches (Tests):** 103
- Runs (Tests):** 7,195
- Average (Tests):** 43.60
- Centuries (Tests):** 19
Cheteshwar Pujara is the *modern-day Dravid*, known for his patience.
Key Achievements
- Key player in **India’s 2018–19 Australia series win**.
- Most balls faced in a Test series in Australia (1,258 in 2018–19)**.
Legacy
Pujara’s resilience in Tests keeps India’s traditional batting alive.
Conclusion
In today’s article, you have learned about the Top 10 Best Indian Batsmen who have shaped Indian cricket with their exceptional skill, dedication and match-winning performances. From Tendulkar’s mastery to Kohli’s dominance, each has left an unforgettable legacy. If you liked the information given by us, do tell us by commenting.
Who is your favorite Indian batsman? Let us know in the comments!