Who is the Greatest Indian Batsman?

[Milo]

I find that this is an almost impossible thing to actually decide and usually it will almost always come down to your 'favourite' player. In addition, two of the top three players' careers haven't finished (although Tendulkar probably wishes he'd retired two-three years ago). In limited overs cricket, there is no discussion. Tendulkar is the best opener the game has ever seen and would make the all time LOI side hands down.

In tests, it really depends what you look for in a player. Here, Dravid, Tendulkar and Gavaskar all have their arguments. Dravid has contributed more when the team has needed it than SRT. In fact, Tendulkar's great innings have mostly been in vain, ironically batting beautifully when the pressure is off because defeat is certain. However, the best innings by Tendulkar are clearly the most attractive and sublime innings of any Indian (up there with Azharuddin in full flow). Tendulkar's consistency is now suspect. His 'average' (not a great indicator for me) is bolstered by the now all too infrequent big score amidst a large number of low scores.

When one talks about Gavaskar, one always looks at his average against West Indies. This is hugely inflated by the debut series and a rich pickings against a Packer depleted side in 79. Against the quality bowlers of Roberts, Holding, Marshall etc, his performances are as inconcsistent as anyones. His highest test score (a brilliant innings when effectively opening at number 4) hid the fact that he really couldn't play Marshall and was as much his bunny in that series as Atherton was McGrath's. Another century in the Caribbean hid the fact that he failed all too frequently. He never scored runs against Lillee either. Having said this, nobody regularly scored runs against these bowlers. In fact, Sunil opened the innings and has to be credited with taking on the best players at their freshest with a new ball - and was terribly difficult to dislodge once in.

I know I am rambling, merely just trying to throw up a couple of points about how difficult it is to actually answer the question. I'll conclude by giving this assessment

Most consistent - Dravid
Most attractive to watch - Tendulkar
Best at prime - Tendulkar
Best over a long period - Gavaskar without a doubt (so far)

In the end, you can really only go for your favourite. Maybe the one day stuff (which not proper cricket) sways it Tendulkar's way. I really don't know. Tomorrow I will think it's Dravid and then Gavaskar on Satuarday. I really can't make up my mind.

[harsha]

i like ur thought on this agrument .....milo.....but if ur given a chance to choose one as the greatest player ....then whom will u choose

[willow_wielder]

Greatest Indian batsmen that I have seen are Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar. I dont know much about older generation so i cant really say how does this duo compare with say Sunil Gavaskar and Viswanath.

But now I feel, Sachin is over the hill, I'm awaiting his retirement. I dont want to see selectors pulling a Ganguly on him. He should put down his bat with head held high and now its the right time to do so.

It is indeed suprising to find name of Vinod Kambli in the list while names like Ravi Shashtri and Sehwag missing.

[vvvrulz]

Vinod Kambli was a very good batsman, its actually more of a surprise he didn't quite make it for the Indian team.

[Colourful Chaddi]

Originally Posted by vvvrulz

Vinod Kambli was a very good batsman, its actually more of a surprise he didn't quite make it for the Indian team.

Yes it it diffinatly very, very suprising the Inidan selectors didn't let him have another chance, his record is very good and he is a god in first class cricket. He is the Indian Greame Hick, both are great county bashers but didn't quite make in Test cricket.

[Willow & Stumpy]

For me its Dravid, he is an unbelievably consisent player for India, he always contributes to the team one way or another, whether it be in the field, as captain or with the bat. One of the greatest players of this generation of Indian batsman...

[Milo]

Originally Posted by harsha

but if ur given a chance to choose one as the greatest player ....then whom will u choose

I've given it some thought. I think Gavaskar (just) as best batsman. Greatest player? That's a different matter, and has to be Tendulkar.

[Maranello]

Originally Posted by Milo

Most attractive to watch - Tendulkar

And not Azhar?

[Milo]

Originally Posted by Maranello

And not Azhar?

When making the summary list, I only considered the three great Indian batsmen. I think Azhar is the most attractive batsmen India have ever produced (and one of the best the planet has ever seen).

[Maranello]

I agree - Azharuddin in full flow was easily the best sight on a cricket field for most of the 1990s.