The Influential Cricketers of All Time According to Ravi Shastri
Former Indian cricket coach and all-rounder Ravi Shastri recently shared his top five most influential cricketers of all time on the 'Stick to Cricket' podcast. This list spans from the era of Sunil Gavaskar to modern-day stars like Virat Kohli, offering a unique perspective on the game's greatest players.
Shastri highlighted that he considered the most impactful players who have concluded their careers. He named Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli as his top five. Notably, Bishan Singh Bedi and Jasprit Bumrah were not included in this list, with Shastri noting that Bumrah is still active and has more cricket ahead.
Sunil Gavaskar: A Pioneering Batter
Gavaskar, often referred to as the "Little Master," is celebrated for his technical brilliance and consistency. In 233 international matches, he scored 13,214 runs at an average of 46.20, with 35 centuries to his name. He was the first player to cross the 10,000-run mark in Tests, scoring 10,122 runs in 125 Tests at an average of 51.12, with 34 centuries and 45 fifties. His contributions to India’s 1983 World Cup and 1985 World Championship of Cricket winning teams further cement his legacy.
Kapil Dev: The All-Rounder Who Changed the Game
Kapil Dev's influence extends beyond statistics. As a flamboyant all-rounder, he transformed the underdog Indian team into a formidable force, leading them to victory in the 1983 Cricket World Cup. In 356 international matches, he scored 9,031 runs at an average of 27.53, with nine centuries and 41 fifties. He also took 687 wickets, making him India's fourth-highest international wicket-taker.
Sachin Tendulkar: The Ultimate Batsman
Sachin Tendulkar is widely regarded as the most technically proficient batter of all time. With 34,357 runs in 664 matches, he holds the record for the most centuries (100) in international cricket. His career spanned 24 years, during which he faced some of the toughest bowlers in the game. Sachin also holds the record for the most runs in the history of the Cricket World Cup, with 2,278 runs at an average of 56.95.
MS Dhoni: The Captain Who Won It All
MS Dhoni's journey from a "ticket collector" to a "trophy collector" is one of the most inspiring stories in cricket. He is the only captain to have won the ICC T20 World Cup, ICC Cricket World Cup, and ICC Champions Trophy. With 17,266 runs in 538 matches, Dhoni is India's sixth-highest international run-getter. His ability to bat with the prowess of a top-order specialist and his exceptional wicketkeeping skills make him a unique figure in the sport.
Virat Kohli: The Modern-Day Icon
Virat Kohli is the third-highest international run-getter of all time, with 27,599 runs in 550 matches. His dominance across all formats of the game is unmatched. In ODIs, he has 14,181 runs at an average of 57.88, with 51 centuries. Kohli's leadership as a captain has been instrumental in India's success, and his fitness culture and support for fast bowlers have left a lasting impact on Test cricket.
Conclusion
Ravi Shastri's list of the most influential cricketers highlights the evolution of the game and the remarkable contributions of these players. From Gavaskar's technical mastery to Kohli's modern-day dominance, each of these cricketers has played a pivotal role in shaping the sport. Their legacies continue to inspire future generations of players and fans alike.
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