Among active players, Virat Kohli is widely regarded as the best cricketer in India. However, Sachin Tendulkar is often regarded as the greatest cricketer to have ever played for India. It is difficult to name just one cricketer as the best cricketer in India, so we have compiled a list of the top 10 best cricketers in India.
Find the List of Who is the Best Cricketer in India
1. Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar, widely known as “The Little Master,” is one of the most successful cricketers in the world. Making his international debut at just 16, Tendulkar went on to set numerous records, including the highest run scorer in both Test and ODI cricket. His elegant stroke play and impeccable technique captivated fans worldwide for over two decades.
Tendulkar announced his retirement from ODIs in December 2012, from T20s in October 2013, and ultimately, from all cricket forms on November 13, 2013, following his 200th and last Test match against the West Indies at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Tendulkar signed off as the top run-scorer in international cricket, amassing 34,357 runs across various formats — 15,921 in 200 Tests, 18,426 in 463 ODIs, and 10 in 1 T20 international.
2. MS Dhoni
One of the most successful captains in world cricket, MS Dhoni led the Indian cricket team to numerous triumphs, including the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011, the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013 and the ICC World Twenty20 in 2007. His ability to remain calm under pressure earned him the moniker “Captain Cool.”
Dhoni’s stats as a batsman are also impressive – 4876 runs in Tests at an average of 38, and a whopping 10773 runs in ODIs, averaging above 50. Additionally, he smashed 16 centuries and 106 fifties in his international cricket journey. Coming to his T20 record – Dhoni scored over 3200 runs in 377 matches. The wicketkeeper batsman announced retirement from international cricket in 2020, but continues to play in the IPL for Chennai Super Kings.
3. Virat Kohli
Ranked third on this list is none other than the greatest of our generation, Virat Kohli. At the ODI World Cup 2023, Kohli surpassed Tendulkar to hold the record for most centuries in ODIs (50). Kohli has amassed over 26,000 runs across all three formats, including 80 centuries – 29 in Tests, 50 in ODIs and one in T20Is. Kohli’s consistent brilliance across formats cements his status as one of cricket’s all-time greats. In T20 Internationals, he’s racked up over 4000 runs, while in ODIs, he’s close to 14,000 runs, and in Test Cricket, he’s scored more than 8600 runs.
4. Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma, one of the premier batsmen of his era and one of the finest opening batsmen in cricket history, presently leads the Indian Cricket Team across all formats. Sharma holds the record for the highest number of sixes in international cricket. His achievements also include the distinction of hitting the most double centuries in ODIs, with three to his name. Additionally, Sharma boasts of the most centuries in Cricket World Cups (7). He also shares the record for the most centuries in T20Is (5). He has played crucial roles in India’s triumphs in major tournaments, such as the ICC Cricket World Cup and the ICC Champions Trophy.
5. Rahul Dravid
Rahul Dravid, affectionately known as “The Wall,” amassed over 13,000 runs in Test cricket and over 10,000 runs in ODIs. Dravid’s career is studded with numerous achievements, including being the highest run-scorer for India in Test cricket until surpassed by Sachin Tendulkar. He played pivotal roles in many memorable victories for India. Post-retirement, Dravid transitioned into coaching and mentoring roles, and he is currently serving as the head coach of the Indian Cricket Team.
6. Sourav Ganguly
Prince of Kolkata, Sourav Ganguly played an important role in reviving Indian cricket’s fortunes, instilling a sense of confidence and aggression in the team. Ganguly’s captaincy tenure from 2000 to 2005 is considered a golden era for Indian cricket. Under his leadership, India achieved historic victories, both at home and overseas, including the famous Border Gavaskar series win against Australia in 2001.
As a batsman, Ganguly amassed over 18,000 runs in international cricket. Ganguly retired from international cricket in 2008, marking the end of a glittering career that spanned over 15 years.
7. Kapil Dev
Kapil Dev is often considered one of the finest all rounders in cricket. Born in 1959, he emerged as a dynamic cricketer in the 1980s. Dev’s iconic moment came in the 1983 Cricket World Cup when he led India to an improbable victory. This marked India’s first-ever World Cup win. Renowned for his fast bowling and aggressive batting, he was the first player, and also the only to date, to achieve 5,000 runs and 400 wickets in Test cricket. Kapil Dev retired in 1994. At the time of retirement, he held the record for most ODI and Test wickets.
8. Anil Kumble
One of the finest leg spinners of all time, Anil Kumble amassed a staggering 619 wickets in Test cricket, making him the fourth-highest wicket-taker of all time in Tests. Kumble’s crowning achievement came in 1999 when he claimed all ten wickets in a Test innings against Pakistan, becoming only the second player in history to achieve this feat. Kumble retired from international cricket in November 2008, concluding a remarkable career spanning 18 years.
9. Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj Singh stands out as one of India’s most outstanding all-rounders. His remarkable career saw him accumulate 11,778 international runs and claim 148 wickets across all formats. Among his unforgettable moments are his legendary feat of hitting six consecutive sixes against England during the 2007 T20 World Cup and his stellar performances earning him the “Man of the Tournament” award at the 2011 ODI World Cup. Yuvraj bid farewell to international cricket on June 10, 2019, having last represented India in June 2017 against the West Indies.
10. Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin is widely acknowledged as one of the most successful off-spinners ever seen in cricket. With a staggering tally of 500 wickets in Test matches, he holds the distinction of being the fastest bowler to reach the 300-wicket milestone in terms of innings played. His dominance with the ball can further be seen by his record of ten Man of the Series awards in Test cricket, a feat unmatched by any other Indian cricketer. Ashwin is also a part of an elite group of just three players to have achieved both 3000 runs and 500 wickets in Test cricket.
