Cricket in India is more than just a sport—it is an emotion that unites a billion people. Over the decades, India has produced some of the most legendary batsmen the game has ever seen. From players who carried the hopes of a nation during tough times to modern-day stars who dominate across formats, Indian batsmen have left their mark on the global stage.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top 10 greatest batsmen of India, their achievements, and the legacy they have left behind.
1. Sachin Tendulkar – The God of Cricket
When you think of Indian batting, the first name that comes to mind is Sachin Tendulkar. Known as the “Little Master,” he carried Indian cricket on his shoulders for over two decades.
- Career Span: 1989–2013
- Formats: Tests, ODIs, T20I
- Runs: 34,357 international runs
- Centuries: 100 international centuries
Tendulkar’s ability to adapt to any condition, his iconic straight drive, and his sheer consistency made him a global superstar. He was the first cricketer to score a double century in ODIs and played a crucial role in India’s 2011 World Cup triumph. For many, Sachin is not just the greatest Indian batsman, but the greatest the world has ever seen.
2. Sunil Gavaskar – The Original Little Master
Before Tendulkar, there was Sunil Gavaskar, the man who gave Indian batting respect on the international stage.
- Career Span: 1971–1987
- Runs: 10,122 Test runs
- Centuries: 34 Test centuries
Gavaskar was the first cricketer to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket. Facing the fiercest fast bowlers of the 70s and 80s without helmets, he became a symbol of courage and technique. His calm presence at the crease laid the foundation for India’s rise in world cricket.
3. Virat Kohli – The Modern Run Machine
If consistency and aggression had a face in modern cricket, it would be Virat Kohli. Known as the “Chase Master,” Kohli has redefined batting in ODIs and has been equally prolific in Tests and T20s.
- Career Span: 2008–present
- Runs: Over 26,000 international runs
- Centuries: 80+ international centuries
Kohli’s ability to chase down impossible targets, his fitness revolution, and his leadership qualities make him one of the greatest of all time. He has already surpassed most records and continues to dominate bowlers across the globe.
4. Rahul Dravid – The Wall
Nicknamed “The Wall”, Rahul Dravid was known for his patience, solid technique, and dependability.
- Career Span: 1996–2012
- Runs: Over 24,000 international runs
- Centuries: 48 international centuries
Whenever India faced tough conditions, Dravid stood firm. His legendary partnerships—like the 376-run stand with VVS Laxman against Australia in Kolkata 2001—show his immense value. Beyond runs, Dravid represented resilience and discipline, making him one of the most respected figures in cricket.
5. Sourav Ganguly – The Prince of Kolkata
Sourav Ganguly, also known as Dada, transformed India into a fearless cricketing side. His aggressive batting and captaincy changed the team’s mindset.
- Career Span: 1992–2008
- Runs: Over 18,500 international runs
- Centuries: 38 international centuries
Ganguly was known for his elegant off-side stroke play and match-winning knocks. He also groomed young talents like Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and MS Dhoni, laying the foundation for India’s future successes.
6. VVS Laxman – The Artist with the Bat
VVS Laxman may not have the staggering numbers of Tendulkar or Kohli, but his classy batting style and ability to perform under pressure earned him legendary status.
- Career Span: 1996–2012
- Runs: 11,000+ international runs
- Memorable Knock: 281 vs Australia, Eden Gardens, 2001
That iconic 281 not only saved India from defeat but also turned the series around. Laxman’s wristy elegance, especially against Australia, made him one of India’s greatest match-winners.
7. Virender Sehwag – The Fearless Opener
Virender Sehwag revolutionized the role of an opener with his fearless batting style. He believed in attacking from ball one, often dismantling world-class bowling attacks.
- Career Span: 1999–2013
- Runs: Over 17,000 international runs
- Highlights: Two triple centuries in Tests, 219 in ODIs
Sehwag’s strike rate in Tests was extraordinary, and his ability to dominate bowlers made him a nightmare for opponents. His carefree approach brought a new dimension to Indian batting.
8. MS Dhoni – Captain Cool with the Bat
Though known more for his captaincy, MS Dhoni was one of India’s finest finishers with the bat. His ability to absorb pressure and finish games remains unmatched.
- Career Span: 2004–2019
- Runs: 17,000+ international runs
- Highlights: Match-winning 91* in 2011 World Cup final
Dhoni’s helicopter shot, calm temperament, and ability to take the game deep made him a unique batsman. His batting redefined how middle-order players approached limited-overs cricket.
9. Mohammad Azharuddin – The Stylish Stroke Player
Before the Ganguly era, Mohammad Azharuddin was India’s most stylish batsman. His wristy flicks and timing earned him worldwide admiration.
- Career Span: 1985–2000
- Runs: Over 15,500 international runs
- Centuries: 29 international centuries
Azhar’s three consecutive centuries at the start of his Test career remain unmatched. Despite controversies later in his career, his contribution with the bat remains significant.
10. Rohit Sharma – The Hitman
Known as the Hitman, Rohit Sharma has emerged as one of the most destructive openers in modern cricket.
- Career Span: 2007–present
- Runs: Over 18,000 international runs (and counting)
- Highlights: Three double centuries in ODIs, 5 centuries in 2019 World Cup
Rohit’s elegance, combined with his ability to play long innings, makes him special. His records in white-ball cricket, particularly ODIs, place him among the all-time greats.
Honorable Mentions
India has produced several more batting legends who deserve recognition:
- Gundappa Viswanath – Known for his wristy elegance in the 70s.
- Cheteshwar Pujara – Modern-day Test specialist, carrying forward Dravid’s legacy.
- Shikhar Dhawan – Consistent opener in ICC tournaments.
- KL Rahul – Stylish and versatile across formats.
Evolution of Indian Batting
From Gavaskar’s grit to Kohli’s aggression, Indian batting has evolved with time. In the early decades, technique and patience were the key, while today, fitness and strike rates dominate discussions. Players like Sehwag and Rohit Sharma redefined the role of openers, while Dhoni and Kohli showed how to master run chases. This blend of tradition and modern innovation makes India’s batting lineup one of the strongest in the world.
The top 10 greatest batsmen of India represent different eras, playing styles, and philosophies. What unites them is their ability to inspire generations and bring pride to a cricket-loving nation. Whether it’s Tendulkar’s centuries, Dravid’s defense, Sehwag’s aggression, or Kohli’s consistency, these batsmen have carved a permanent place in cricket history.
As Indian cricket continues to grow, new stars will emerge, but these legends will always be remembered as the pillars of Indian batting.
FAQs on India’s Greatest Batsmen
Q1. Who is considered the greatest Indian batsman of all time?
Sachin Tendulkar is widely regarded as the greatest Indian batsman due to his records, consistency, and longevity.
Q2. Who is the best Indian batsman in modern cricket?
Virat Kohli is considered the best modern Indian batsman across formats.
Q3. Which Indian batsman has the highest individual ODI score?
Rohit Sharma holds the record with 264 runs against Sri Lanka.
Q4. Who was India’s first batting superstar?
Sunil Gavaskar was India’s first global batting superstar in the 1970s.
Q5. Which Indian batsman is the best in Test cricket currently?
Cheteshwar Pujara is regarded as India’s best Test specialist, while Virat Kohli leads overall.
