Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has offered his thoughts on the pantheon of Indian batting legends, revealing his ideal Indian batter. Shastri chose his top three Indian batsmen of all time: Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, and Virat Kohli.
He put Tendulkar first and regarded him as the most complete batter the world had ever seen. Shastri lauded Tendulkar’s technical prowess and versatility, claiming that his records are unlikely to be broken anytime soon.
“For me, Sachin Tendulkar is number one among the top three. I believe Tendulkar is the world’s most complete batsman. “He has pure talent and the technique to play in any situation,” Shastri told Wisden Cricket.
Shastri selected Gavaskar as his second choice and lauded him as the best opening batter India has produced. He praised Gavaskar’s bravery in confronting some of the most terrifying pace attacks in an era of uncovered pitches and inadequate protection gear.
Shastri finished by placing the former Indian captain at number three, emphasising his aggression and consistency. He even drew parallels between Kohli and famous West Indian batsman Viv Richards, who was famed for his control at the crease.
“When you watch him bat, you see glimpses of Viv Richards,” says Ravi Shastri.
Shastri further mentioned that each generation has its own torchbearer who established their own legacy. He also stated that Indian Test captain Shubman Gill possesses the talent and potential to propel Indian cricket to new heights.
“Over the previous five decades, Indian cricket has produced heroes. From Sunil Gavaskar, the torch was transferred to Sachin Tendulkar, then Virat Kohli, and now, if the buzz is to be believed, Shubman Gill,” Shastri said.
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