Former India captain and head coach Ravi Shastri has stirred the cricketing world with his latest take on the pantheon of Indian batting greats, revealing his vision of the “perfect Indian batter.” In a candid conversation with Wisden Cricket, Shastri named his top three Indian batters of all time, placing Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar and Virat Kohli in a league of their own, each representing a unique era and skillset in Indian cricket.

Ravi Shastri builds an Indian batter

Shastri was unequivocal in his admiration for Sachin Tendulkar, whom he ranked at the very top. “For me, Sachin Tendulkar is number one in the top three. I consider Tendulkar the most complete batsman in the world. He has pure talent and the technique required to play in any condition,” Shastri remarked, highlighting Tendulkar’s adaptability and technical prowess. Tendulkar’s career, spanning over two decades, saw him amass records that are unlikely to be surpassed soon, and Shastri’s endorsement cements his status as Indian cricket’s gold standard.

Coming in at number two on Shastri’s list is Sunil Gavaskar, the original batting colossus of Indian cricket. Shastri praised Gavaskar as the best opening batter, lauding his ability to face the world’s most fearsome pace attacks during an era of uncovered pitches and minimal protective gear. Gavaskar’s courage and technical mastery against the likes of the West Indies and Australia set the template for Indian openers and inspired generations to come.

Virat Kohli, the modern-day icon, rounds out Shastri’s top three. What sets Kohli apart, according to Shastri, is the “element of Viv Richards” in his batting—a rare blend of aggression, swagger, and consistency. “When you watch him bat, you see glimpses of Viv Richards,” Shastri observed, drawing a parallel with the legendary West Indian batsman renowned for his dominance and flair. Kohli’s ability to chase down daunting targets and his hunger for big runs have made him a linchpin in India’s batting order across formats.

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A legacy of batting excellence in Indian cricket

Shastri’s choices reflect the evolution of Indian batting across generations. From Gavaskar’s stoic resilience to Tendulkar’s technical genius and Kohli’s fearless aggression, each player has defined their era and set new benchmarks for those who followed.

The baton of Indian batting has been passed seamlessly, with each torchbearer adding their own chapter to the story. As Shastri noted, “Indian cricket has been divided into heroes over the last five decades. From Sunil Gavaskar, the baton passed to Sachin Tendulkar, then Virat Kohli, and, if the hype is to be believed, now Shubman Gill.” This lineage underscores the depth and continuity of batting talent in the country.

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