Wisden, the cricketing authority, released its list of the top six greatest Indian Test batters of all time on May 12, 2025, in the aftermath of Virat Kohli’s Test retirement, sparking discussions among fans and analysts. The list recognizes India's illustrious Test cricket batting history and highlights players who have played a defining role in the format with their skill, tenacity, and remarkable achievements. With years of consistency and match-winning performances, each of the six batters stamped their mark in the shortest format of Test cricket everywhere they went.

1. Sachin Tendulkar

Leading the list is Sachin Tendulkar, with his 15,921 Test runs in 200 matches at an average of 53.78 that stand unrivalled. Wisden points to his unmatched consistency over a period of 24 years, although he never reached 500 runs in a series or 250 in an innings. Tendulkar's 51 centuries and his ability to overpower attacks across the globe seal his place as India's greatest Test batsman.

2. Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar, with 10,122 runs in 125 Tests, comes second, renowned for his technical wizardry against aggressive pace attacks of the 1970s and 80s. He was the first player to cross the 10,000-run barrier in Tests, an achievement recognized by the BCCI by naming a boardroom '10000 Gavaskar' on May 15, 2025. Gavaskar's 34 centuries and away performances make him an Indian batting trailblazer.

3. Rahul Dravid

Nicknamed 'The Wall,' Rahul Dravid is placed third with 13,288 runs in 164 Tests at an average of 52.31. His marathon innings, like the 270 against Pakistan in 2004, and his performances in India's overseas wins, like the 2001 Kolkata Test, are what set him apart as great. 36 centuries and his unflappable temperament saw him become unstoppable.

4. Virat Kohli

Who retired from Tests on May 12, 2025? He is fourth overall with 9,906 runs in 123 Tests, with 30 centuries. From 2016 to 2019, Kohli was at his peak, made seven double centuries, and was the top batsman in the ICC Test rankings. Kohli was instrumental in changing India's Test fortunes overseas and played an aggressive style of Test cricket and led India to overseas success.

Also Read: List of Mumbai players honored with named stands at Wankhede stadium

5. VVS Laxman

Fifth on the list is VVS Laxman, whose 281 in Kolkata against Australia in 2001 isfrequently consideredy India's greatest Test innings. Laxman scored 8,781 runs in 134 Tests, and his wristy class plagued bowlers, most notably Australia. Hisstandsd with Dravid, particularly in comeback victories, are legendary.

Virender Sehwag

Finally, Sehwag rounds out this list with 8,586 runs in 104 Tests, playing a fearless, attacking game. His 319 against Pakistan in 2008, plus two other triple-centuries, demonstrate his dominance and his ability to redefine the Test opening batting role. With an 82.23 strike rate, Sehwag added an extra dimension to India's game when it came to playing Tests.

The Champions Trophy has been the mini-World Cup event of cricket for a long time, combining the best teams in high-stakes tournaments. Many legendary cricketers have had a great impact on the competition. Wisden recently made a champions trophy all-time XI team where the best players from the game were honored for their great performances.

Wisden’s All-Time Champions Trophy XI

ALSO SEE :  USA Shocks Cricket World with an unexpected Historic Record!

A Thought on Wisden XI :
The combination of explosive batting, all-round options, and a bowling side that is killing its opponents is struck in the selection of Wisden. Some may think that MS Dhoni should be included in the team as the wicketkeeper and another pacer should be selected such as Brett Lee, but the XI is really quite powerful. Would you make any changes to this lineup? Share your thoughts on this all-time great XI!

The latest edition of the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanac has crowned Australian skipper Pat Cummins and England all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt as the leading cricketers of the world. This recognition is a testament to their exceptional performances through the 2023 season, marking significant milestones not only in their careers but also in cricket history.

Test Championship and World Cup Success

Pat Cummins led Australia to historical victories in 2023, securing their maiden ICC World Test Championship against India and capturing their sixth ICC Cricket World Cup title in Ahmedabad. As a pace spearhead and astute leader, Cummins’ role was pivotal in navigating his team through the high stakes of international cricket.

See Also: “I am not happy”: Rashid Khan on his wicket tally in IPL 2024

Cummins is the first Aussie since Michael Clarke to secure the top honour and he has succeeded Ben Stokes, the English skipper who won the honour three times in 2020, 2021 and 2023. In 11 Tests last year, he took 42 wickets and scored 254 crucial runs at an average of 15.87. Across 24 international games, he took 59 wickets and made 422 runs at an average of 21.10. Within these 422 runs were many small, but impactful batting contributions throughout the Ashes and Cricket World Cup.

Key Performances in the Ashes

Beyond the global tournaments, Cummins also played a crucial part in the Ashes, where Australia defended the urn in a challenging away series against England, which ended in a 2-2 draw. His leadership was particularly notable in maintaining team morale and strategy across different formats.

Overview of Nat Sciver-Brunt’s Stellar Year

Nat Sciver-Brunt shone brilliantly in the women’s Ashes, contributing significantly to England’s victories. Her back-to-back centuries in the ODIs underscored her critical role in the lineup, making her one of the most formidable batters of the year.

Sciver-Brunt’s prowess wasn’t limited to ODIs. In T20 internationals, she maintained an impressive batting average and took multiple wickets, highlighting her versatility and consistency as an all-rounder. Her rapid century against Sri Lanka set a new record for the fastest ODI hundred by an England woman, further cementing her status in international cricket.

Highlights from Other Prominent Cricketers in 2024

Mitchell Starc, Usman Khawaja, and Ashleigh Gardner were also recognized for their performances. Starc’s bowling was instrumental in both the Ashes and the World Cup, while Khawaja topped the run charts in the Ashes. Gardner’s all-round abilities were crucial in Australia’s strategies and victories across formats.

Harry Brook and Mark Wood made significant impacts for England. Brook’s resilient batting helped turn around the Ashes series, while Wood’s fast bowling dismantled key partnerships during crucial matches.

The Wisden Awards hold a prestigious place in cricket, acknowledging individual excellence and influence on the sport’s landscape. These accolades not only highlight outstanding performances but also inspire upcoming talents across the globe.

This year’s Wisden also highlighted other cricketers like Hayley Matthews, who excelled in T20 cricket, demonstrating the increasing competitiveness and skill in the women’s game.

The achievements of these cricketers in 2023 have not only enriched their personal careers but also significantly influenced cricket strategies and fan engagement worldwide. The rise of aggressive playing styles, often referred to as “Bazball,” promises to reshape future approaches to cricket, particularly in Test formats.