Cricket is a festival of sports in India. Cricket in India holds a unique and unparalleled emotional attachment that goes beyond the realm of just a sport. It is deeply ingrained in the fabric of Indian society and culture, evoking strong emotions and a sense of unity among millions of fans across the country. Check theTop 10 Greatest Indian Cricketers of All Time.
Cricket has often been referred to as a religion in India, and its players are considered demigods. We are not only crazy about it but, India has produced some of the greatest talent in the world. So, here is a list of the most iconic players in Indian cricket history.
Top 10 Greatest Indian Cricketers of All Time
Cricket is more than just a game in India; it is a source of national pride and identity. The success and triumphs of the Indian cricket team are celebrated with immense joy and euphoria, bringing people from diverse backgrounds together.
Whether it’s the excitement of a high-scoring match or the nail-biting tension of a close finish, cricket has the power to stir a range of emotions and create lasting memories.
10. Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly is a legendary figure in Indian cricket, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and capturing the hearts of millions of fans. Moreover, he led India to significant success in One Day Internationals (ODIs). The 2003 Cricket World Cup ended in victory for India under his captaincy.
We all remember his Iconic Shirt-Waving Celebration after winning the NatWest Series final against England in 2002. Ganguly famously took off his shirt and waved it from the Lord’s balcony, marking a historic and memorable moment in Indian cricket.
| Nickname | Dada |
| Profession | Former Professional Cricketer, Commentator, Cricket Administrator |
| Date of Birth | July 8, 1972 |
| Age | 51 |
| Birth place | Kolkata, West Bengal, India |
| Country | India |
| Education and school | St. Xavier’s Collegiate School in Kolkata |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) |
| Weight | 79 kg |
| Family Details | Married to Dona Ganguly & has a daughter named Sana Ganguly |
9. Bishan Singh Bedi
A legendary left-arm spinner, Bedi was a master of flight and spin. He played a significant role in India’s bowling attack from 1966 to 1979 and was known for his accuracy and ability to deceive batsmen.
Bishan Singh Bedi’s contributions to Indian cricket extend beyond his playing career. Moreover, he was part of the renowned Indian spin quartet, a group of four highly skilled spin bowlers. Throughout his Test career, Bedi played in a total of 67 matches and took an impressive 266 wickets.
| Nickname | |
| Profession | Former Professional Cricketer |
| Date of Birth | September 25, 1946 |
| Age | 77 |
| Birthplace | Amritsar, Punjab |
| Country | India |
| Education and school | Not available |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) |
| Weight | Not Available |
| Family Details | Married to Anju Inderjit Bedi & have four children Angad Bedi, Neha Bedi, Gavasinder Bedi & Gill Bedi |
8. Sunil Gavaskar
Gavaskar was a batting maestro of his era and a pioneer of Indian cricket. His technique and resilience helped him accumulate numerous records during his career and paved the way for future Indian batsmen.
Throughout his career, Gavaskar scored a record-breaking 34 Test centuries, showcasing his class and skill as a batsman. However, he was the first cricketer to surpass 10,000 runs in Test cricket, a testament to his consistency and longevity.
| Nickname | Sunny or Little Master |
| Profession | Former Professional Cricketer, Commentator |
| Date of Birth | July 10, 1949 |
| Age | 73 |
| Birthplace | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Country | India |
| Education and school | St. Xavier’s High School |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) |
| Weight | 65 |
| Family Details | Married to Marshneill Gavaskar, has a son named Rohan Gavaskar |
7. Rahul Dravid
Renowned for his solid technique and unwavering determination, Dravid was known as “The Wall.” His ability to bat for long periods and his impeccable technique made him a reliable batsman in all formats of the game.
Furthermore, Dravid is one of the most prolific run-scorers in the history of Test cricket. He amassed 13,288 runs in 164 Test matches, placing him fourth on the all-time highest run-scorers list. He also scored 10,889 runs in 344 One Day Internationals (ODIs).
| Nickname | The wall |
| Profession | Former Professional Cricketer, Cricket Administrator, Coach |
| Date of Birth | January 11, 1973 |
| Age | 50 |
| Birthplace | Indore, Madhya Pradesh |
| Country | India |
| Education and school | St. Joseph’s Boys’ High School, Bangalore |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) |
| Weight | 70 kg |
| Family Details | Married to Vijeta Pendharkar, & have two children |
6. Anil Kumble
One of the greatest spinners in cricket history, Kumble’s exceptional record as a leg-spinner earned him immense respect. With his accuracy and variations, he was a match-winner for India and took more than 600 Test wickets in 132 Test matches.
However, he holds some of the most notable accomplishments. For example, he is only the second bowler in the history of Test cricket to take all ten wickets in an innings. He achieved this remarkable feat against Pakistan in 1999, finishing with figures of 10 for 74.
| Nickname | Not Available |
| Profession | Former Professional Cricketer, Commentator |
| Date of Birth | October 17, 1970 |
| Age | 52 |
| Birthplace | Bangalore, Karnataka |
| Country | India |
| Education and school | Holy Saint English School |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) |
| Weight | 79 kg |
| Family Details | Married to Chethana Ramatheertha, and the couple has two children |
5. Virender Sehwag
Known for his explosive batting style and fearless approach, Sehwag was a game-changer at the top of the order. He played exhilarating innings, including a memorable triple century, and redefined the role of an opening batsman.
However, he is the only Indian batsman to score two triple centuries in Test cricket. He also holds the record for the fastest century in One Day Internationals by an Indian batsman. He achieved this feat off just 60 balls against New Zealand in 2009, displaying his explosive batting prowess.
| Nickname | Viru |
| Profession | Former Professional Cricketer, Commentator |
| Date of Birth | October 20, 1978 |
| Age | 44 |
| Birthplace | Najafgarh, Delhi |
| Country | India |
| Education and school | Arora Vidya School, Delhi |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
| Weight | 80 kg |
| Family Details | mMarried to Aarti Ahlawat, and the couple has two sons named Aryavir and Vedant |
4. Kapil Dev
The man who lead India to their first-ever Cricket World Cup victory in 1983, Kapil Dev was a brilliant all-rounder. He was a hard-hitting batsman and a skilled fast bowler who played a significant role in shaping Indian cricket.
However, in a memorable One Day International (ODI) match against Zimbabwe in 1983, Kapil Dev played a remarkable inning of 175 not out, rescuing India from a precarious position and leading them to an astonishing victory. This innings is considered one of the greatest in ODI history.
| Nickname | Kapil Paaji |
| Profession | Former Professional Cricketer, Commentator |
| Date of Birth | January 6, 1959 |
| Age | 64 |
| Birthplace | Chandigarh, Punjab |
| Country | India |
| Education and school | D.A.V. School in Chandigarh |
| Height | 6 feet (183 cm) |
| Weight | 79 kg |
| Family Details | Married to Romi Bhatia &have a daughter named Amiya Dev |
3. Virat Kohli
Considered the modern-day cricketing icon. Moreover, Kohli has achieved extraordinary success as a batsman and as the captain of the Indian team. With his aggressive style and consistency. Further, he has broken several records and continues to dominate international cricket.
Moreover, Kohli has amassed numerous batting records. Additionally, he was the fastest to score 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 11,000 runs in One Day Internationals. Furthermore, he has consistently been among the leading run-scorers in all formats of the game.
| Nickname | Run Machine |
| Profession | Professional Cricketer |
| Date of Birth | November 5, 1988 |
| Age | 34 |
| Birthplace | Delhi, India |
| Country | India |
| Education and school | Vishal Bharti Public School in Delhi |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) |
| Weight | 70 kg |
| Family Details | Married to Anushka Sharma, & have a daughter named Vamika |
2. Mahendra Singh Dhoni
Dhoni, known as “Captain Cool,” was one of the most successful captains in Indian cricket history. He led India to numerous victories, including the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup. Dhoni’s exceptional leadership and finishing skills made him an iconic figure.
honi popularized the “Helicopter Shot,” a unique and powerful shot that became his signature move. However, Dhoni’s wicket-keeping skills were highly regarded, known for his lightning-fast reflexes and ability to effect quick stumpings.
Also, Dhoni was honored with the prestigious Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, for his significant contributions to cricket.
| Nickname | Mahi & Captain Cool |
| Profession | Former Captain of the Indian Cricket Team |
| Date of Birth | July 7, 1981 |
| Age | 42 |
| Birthplace | Ranchi, Jharkhand |
| Country | India |
| Education and school | DAV Jawahar Vidya Mandir in Ranchi |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) |
| Weight | 75 kg |
| Family Details | Married to Sakshi Singh Rawat, and they have a daughter named Ziva |
1. Sachin Tendulkar
Regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time, Tendulkar’s records and achievements speak for themselves. With an illustrious career spanning 24 years, he holds numerous batting records and is revered as the “Master Blaster.”
He holds numerous world records in cricket. For example, he holds the record for the highest number of runs in international cricket. He scored a staggering 15,921 runs in Test matches and 18,426 runs in ODIs.
Also, was awarded India’s highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna in 2014 for his immense contribution to cricket.
| Nickname | Master Blaster |
| Profession | Former Professional Cricketer |
| Date of Birth | April 24, 1973 |
| Age | 50 |
| Birthplace | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| Country | India |
| Education and school | Sharadashram Vidyamandir School |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) |
| Weight | 62 kg |
| Family Details | Married to Anjali Tendulkar, and they have two children named Arjun and Sara |
RELATED POST
