Venkatesh Prasad Reveals His Top 5 Indian Cricketers Of All Time

The debate surrounding the greatest Indian cricketers of all time is an age-old conversation that never seems to fade. India, with its rich cricketing history and unparalleled passion for the game, has produced a multitude of legendary figures who have not only etched their names in history but have also shaped the very fabric of the sport. The conversation often spans across generations, with names such as Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Anil Kumble, and Rahul Dravid constantly making their way into discussions.

On January 26, 2025, as India celebrated Republic Day, former cricketer Venkatesh Prasad took to social media to share his picks for the top five Indian cricketers of all time in an interactive Q&A session on X (formerly Twitter) under the hashtag #AskVenky. The session drew widespread attention, with fans eagerly awaiting Prasad’s take on this age-old debate. The former fast bowler’s selections included some of the most iconic names in Indian cricket, each representing different eras, styles, and contributions to the game.

Here’s a deeper look into Prasad’s all-time Indian cricketing greats:

1) Sachin Tendulkar: The Master Blaster

It’s no surprise that Sachin Tendulkar claimed the top spot on Prasad’s list. The name Sachin Tendulkar is synonymous with cricketing greatness. Tendulkar’s records and achievements transcend the sport, making him a global icon and one of the most beloved figures in the history of cricket. His journey from a young prodigy to the Master Blaster of world cricket is a story of unmatched consistency, technical brilliance, and relentless determination.

Tendulkar, widely regarded as the greatest cricketer to ever play the game, is the only player to score 100 international centuries — a feat that stands as a monumental achievement in the annals of cricket. Moreover, he became the first player in history to register a double century in ODIs and holds the record for the most runs in both Tests and One Day Internationals. His ability to adapt to any format, his mental fortitude, and his match-winning performances across decades made him the cornerstone of Indian cricket.

Tendulkar’s career spanned an extraordinary 24 years, during which he played 200 Tests, 463 ODIs, and 1 T20I. His influence on the game went beyond his records — he redefined the standards for technical proficiency, temperament, and fitness. The love and respect he garnered worldwide were not just for his on-field achievements but also for the way he carried himself off the field, becoming a true ambassador of the sport.

2) Kapil Dev: The All-Round Genius

The second spot on Prasad’s list went to Kapil Dev, India’s first World Cup-winning captain and one of the finest all-rounders the game has ever seen. Kapil Dev’s leadership in the 1983 World Cup, where he led India to their first-ever global triumph, remains one of the most iconic moments in Indian cricket history. His all-around brilliance, both as a bowler and a batsman, made him a game-changer and a pioneer in shaping the future of Indian cricket.

Kapil’s impact as an all-rounder is unparalleled. As a bowler, he captured 434 Test wickets and was one of the leading fast bowlers of his era. His pace, swing, and stamina made him a lethal weapon for India. As a batsman, Kapil contributed over 9,000 international runs, often coming to the rescue of his team in challenging situations. His iconic 175 against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup, where he single-handedly led India to a competitive total, is etched in the memories of every cricket fan.

Kapil Dev’s ability to perform under pressure, his charismatic leadership, and his all-round prowess earned him respect and admiration from both fans and players alike. Even after retiring, he remained an influential figure in Indian cricket, contributing to the development of the game in various roles.

3) Sunil Gavaskar: The Little Master

Next on Prasad’s list was Sunil Gavaskar, often referred to as The Little Master. Known for his impeccable technique and resilience, Gavaskar was one of the pioneers who helped India establish its presence on the global cricketing map. His consistent performances, especially against some of the most fearsome fast bowlers in the world, earned him a place among the game’s all-time greats.

Gavaskar became the first player in the history of Test cricket to score 10,000 runs — a landmark that was considered a monumental achievement at the time. His 34 Test centuries set a benchmark for future generations of Indian batsmen, and his adaptability across different formats and conditions made him one of the most respected players of his era. Gavaskar’s composure under pressure, his resilience against the West Indian pace attacks, and his contributions as a captain made him an integral part of Indian cricket.

His technical proficiency and the way he dominated fast bowlers during the 1970s and 1980s revolutionized Indian batting. Gavaskar’s legacy lives on, not just for his personal records but also for the pathway he helped pave for future Indian cricketers.

4) Anil Kumble: The Spin Wizard

In a country where spin bowling has always held a place of prominence, Anil Kumble’s contribution to Indian cricket is nothing short of legendary. Kumble’s inclusion in Prasad’s list is a tribute to his outstanding career as one of India’s finest bowlers. Known for his unwavering accuracy, determination, and ability to turn matches around, Kumble’s legacy as a spinner is unparalleled.

With a staggering 619 Test wickets, Kumble is India’s highest wicket-taker in Test cricket and one of the top wicket-takers in the history of the sport. His ability to outsmart batsmen through sheer accuracy, variations, and match-winning spells made him a vital asset to the Indian team. One of his most iconic achievements was his 10-wicket haul against Pakistan in 1999, a feat that has only been achieved by a handful of bowlers in the history of the game.

Kumble’s resilience in the face of adversity and his ability to adapt to different conditions made him one of the most successful bowlers of his era. His leadership, especially as the captain of the Indian team, also earned him respect, with his approach to team-building and tactical acumen becoming an integral part of India’s success during the late 1990s and early 2000s.

5) Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag, and Gundappa Vishwanath

In a twist that added depth to his selection, Venkatesh Prasad couldn’t settle on a single player for the fifth spot, choosing instead to highlight three exceptional cricketers — Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag, and Gundappa Vishwanath.

Rahul Dravid, affectionately known as ‘The Wall,’ was the epitome of technique, resilience, and determination. His ability to bat for long hours, building innings from the top or in crisis situations, made him one of India’s most reliable batsmen. Dravid was often the anchor in challenging situations, his 105 Test centuries and his leadership qualities solidifying his place as a modern-day great.
Virender Sehwag, known for his explosive batting and fearless approach, revolutionized the role of the opener in Test cricket. Sehwag’s aggressive mindset and remarkable strike rate changed the landscape of cricket. His two triple centuries in Test cricket remain unmatched, and his ability to dominate the world’s best bowlers made him a unique player in the history of the game.
Gundappa Vishwanath, a graceful and wristy stroke-player, remains one of India’s most elegant batsmen. His ability to perform under pressure, especially in the toughest of conditions, earned him widespread admiration. Vishwanath was a maestro of timing, and his contributions to Indian cricket in the 1970s and 1980s were crucial in establishing India as a formidable force in international cricket.

A Legacy That Continues to Inspire

Venkatesh Prasad’s list of the top five Indian cricketers of all time reflects the rich history and diversity of talent that has shaped Indian cricket over the years. From the technical mastery of Sachin Tendulkar to the leadership brilliance of Kapil Dev, and the resilience of Sunil Gavaskar, India has been home to some of the greatest cricketers the world has ever seen.

These legends not only defined the game during their time but also laid the foundation for future generations of cricketers. As Indian cricket continues to evolve and produce new talent, the contributions of these cricketing icons remain an indelible part of the country’s cricketing heritage.

The debate over the greatest Indian cricketers may never truly be settled, but one thing is certain — the players mentioned in Prasad’s list will forever be remembered as the pioneers who shaped the landscape of Indian cricket.

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