Ravi Shastri Picks India’s Five Greatest Cricketers of All Time – Who Made the List?

Former India head coach and 1983 World Cup-winning all-rounder Ravi Shastri has revealed his list of the top five greatest cricketers in Indian history during a recent podcast appearance. His picks, based not just on statistics but also on long-term impact, leadership, consistency, and influence on Indian cricket, have sparked fresh debate among fans and experts alike.

1. Sachin Tendulkar –

At the top of Shastri’s list is none other than Sachin Tendulkar. According to Shastri, no other cricketer has faced world-class bowlers across four generations with the same grace, determination, and technical mastery as Tendulkar. He praised Tendulkar not just for his unmatched run tally but also for the way he carried the hopes of a nation and inspired millions with his humility and focus.

2. Sunil Gavaskar –

Shastri places legendary opener Sunil Gavaskar second, calling him a pioneer of Indian batting. He highlighted Gavaskar’s incredible performances against the fearsome West Indies pace attack often without a helmet as one of the bravest feats in cricket history. His ability to score runs consistently in the most hostile conditions earned him global respect and laid the foundation for Indian batting supremacy.

3. Kapil Dev – 

In third place is Kapil Dev, India’s original all-rounder and the man who led India to its first-ever World Cup triumph in 1983. Shastri emphasized Kapil's extraordinary ability to change games with both bat and ball. His fearless 175* against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup remains one of the most iconic innings in ODI history. For Shastri, Kapil was the first true game-changer for Indian cricket.

4. Virat Kohli –

Virat Kohli comes in fourth, and for good reason. Shastri, who closely observed Kohli during his coaching tenure, hailed him as a complete modern cricketer. With remarkable consistency across all three formats, an unmatched work ethic, and aggressive leadership, Kohli transformed India's fitness culture and redefined batting excellence in the 21st century.

5. MS Dhoni –

Last but not least, MS Dhoni completes Shastri’s top five. The only captain to have won all three major ICC trophies T20 World Cup (2007), ODI World Cup (2011), and Champions Trophy (2013) Dhoni, according to Shastri, revolutionized leadership in Indian cricket. His ice-cold nerves, street-smart tactics, and match-finishing prowess made him a legend not just in India, but around the world.

Shastri made it clear that this list is based on his personal evaluation and not just numbers. While he acknowledged that greats like Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, Anil Kumble, and Jasprit Bumrah deserve their own praise, he believes the five he picked had a deeper and more transformative impact on the Indian team across eras.

Together, these five legends represent the evolution of Indian cricket from courage in adversity, to technical mastery, to global dominance. Ravi Shastri’s list is not just a ranking; it’s a tribute to the icons who shaped the soul of Indian cricket.