In the rich tapestry of Indian cricket history, certain names shine brighter than others, etching their legacies into the annals of the sport. Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, and Virat Kohli are three such luminaries who have not only left an indelible mark on the game but have also become symbols of excellence, dedication, and passion.
Sunil Gavaskar’s legacy
Gavaskar, often referred to as the original ‘Little Master,’ revolutionized the art of opening batting with his impeccable technique, unflappable temperament, and unwavering focus. His exploits against some of the fiercest fast bowlers of his era stand as testament to his skill and resilience.
Sachin Tendulkar’s excellence
Similarly, Tendulkar, with an unparalleled combination of talent, dedication, and longevity, became the embodiment of cricketing excellence. His ability to dominate the best bowlers in the world across all formats of the game made him a true icon of the sport. Tendulkar’s records, including the most runs and centuries in both Test and ODI cricket, remain unassailable monuments to his greatness.
Virat Kohli’s dominance
Kohli, on the other hand, is considered as the modern-day colossus, who has taken the cricketing world by storm with his aggressive yet technically sound batting. Kohli’s insatiable hunger for runs and his relentless pursuit of perfection have elevated him to the upper echelons of the game.
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Navjot Singh Sidhu gives his verdict
Selecting the best Indian batter among the trio of legends poses a formidable challenge. However, former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu, set to return to the commentary box for the forthcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), has made his decision known.
Sidhu underscored Kohli’s versatility and adaptability across all cricketing formats, citing his ability to excel amidst diverse eras and challenges. Sidhu lauded Kohli as the epitome of modern batting prowess, acknowledging his seamless transition between Test, ODI, and T20 cricket, thus positioning him as the premier Indian batter of all time, surpassing even the legendary Gavaskar and Tendulkar.
“I have rated him as the best Indian batter ever. There are eras where I would put up my transistor and listen to Sunil Gavaskar bat against the West Indies, those are the 70s. The great West Indies fast bowlers, bunking school and just going out one period and listening to how he was batting and without a helmet, that was his era. He dominated for almost 15-20 years. Then came Tendulkar, another era. Then came Dhoni, and then came Virat. If you look at four, I would rate him as the best because he has adapted to all three formats,” said Sidhu in a chat with India Today.