Top 10 Legendary Indian Cricketers of All Time

Sunil "Sunny" Gavaskar is an all-time great Indian cricketer who came up with the kind of sensational start anyone dreams of with 774 runs in his first Test series against West Indies in 1971. Nicked-named "The Little Master," he notched up 10,122 Test runs and 25,834 first-class runs with 81 centuries. Renowned for his meticulous approach and distinctive headgear, Gavaskar ruled Indian cricket throughout the 1980s. Since his retirement in 1988, he has also developed as a freelance commentator, columnist, and having written a number of cricket books—including his autobiography titled Sunny Days that was published in 1980.

Kapil Dev Nikhanj was born on January 6, 1959, in Chandigarh, India, and is one of the best all-rounders this game ever produced. He is the only player having more than 400 wickets and more than 5,000 runs individually in Test cricket. Further capping that, he is also one of the captains who led India to its win in the 1983 Cricket World Cup. The ones who retire are a precious breed, and he did so in 1994 with scores of records to his credit—most importantly, most Test wickets taken. Four years later, Kapil Dev was conferred Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri even as his legacy continued to proliferate, inspiring cricketers in a generation at home and abroad. Kapil Dev is married to Romi Bhatia, and they have a daughter, Amiya.

Born on 24th April 1973, in Mumbai, he is said to be amongst the best ever to have wielded a bat in the game of cricket. He did so with more than 34,000 runs in 200 Tests and 463 ODIs, still remaining the lone cricketer who has scored 100 international centuries. His performances were hailed by legends like Bradman; Tendulkar got the Bharat Ratna. He is an embodiment of modesty and commitment, inspiring millions, and has come to be known as the "God of Cricket." He is married to Anjali Mehta and has two children.

Born on 11 January 1973, Rahul Dravid is an all-time legendary Indian cricketer-turned-coach. Thanks to his technically sound batting—because of which he got the nickname "The Wall"—he has managed 13,288 runs in 164 Tests and 10,768 runs in 344 ODIs. After retirement, he was appointed as the head coach of India and captured a T20 World Cup in 2024. Dravid stands in the eyes of all because of his simplicity, selflessness, and dedication toward the game of cricket. Apart from that, he speaks many languages fluently and mentors young athletes; added to this is he, engaged in many philanthropic activities. He leaves behind a married life with two children, inspiring legacy for many.

Sourav Ganguly, born on July 8, 1972, is an ex-cricketer who could be said to be a legend of the international field and cricket commentator. Better known as "Dada," he made the Indian team win several games, of which one was the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy. He has scored 11,363 runs in ODI games; the record for the highest individual score by an Indian in the ODI World Cup belongs to him. This former Captain of India, retired in the year 2008, went on to hold the position of BCCI president from the year 2019. He is married to Dona Ganguly and is widely acclaimed for his great leadership and other unrivaled contributions toward the Indian Cricket Team.

MS Dhoni was born in Ranchi on July 7, 1981. He is an Indian legendary cricketer and the ultimate captain ever born to India. He led India to victory in major tournaments such as the 2007 ICC World Twenty20, the 2011 Cricket World Cup, and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. Apart from being an honorary Lieutenant Colonel of the Indian Army, he married Sakshi Dhoni and has a daughter named Ziva. In 2016, his biopic titled MS Dhoni: The Untold Story was released. Other laurels upon him include the Padma Bhushan and the Padma Shri.

Born on October 17, 1970, in Bangalore, Anil Kumble is among the greatest leg spinners ever who played Test cricket. He has taken 619 Test and 337 ODI wickets in his 18-year career. Of course, much has been said about the accuracy and style of Kumble; very few have been able to match the feat among whom his taking ten wickets in a Test innings twice. He is known to play even with a fractured jaw in 2002; he was a man of great nerve. After retirement, he served as a player and mentor in the IPL, thus inspiring many young cricketers.

Bishan Singh Bedi (1946–2023) was one of India's extraordinary cricketers, known more for his slow left-arm orthodox bowling. Bedi took 266 wickets in 67 Tests between 1966 and 1979 and led India in 22 matches. Known as much for his colorful patka as for his candid views, Bedi was a part of perhaps India's famous spin quartet. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1970 and the C.K. He was also awarded the Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004. Post-retirement, he turned coach, and his views on cricketing matters continued to be expressed in an impassioned manner. Bedi passed away at the age of 77, having left his stamp on the game.

Mohammad Azharuddin, born February 8, 1963, is a former Indian cricketer and politician. In this handsome diminutive batsman, people recognize the work of a nimble-footed worker at the crease. HgthDs 99 Tests and 334 ODIs, he earned him the nickname "Master of the Leg Side." Azharuddin scored hundreds in each of his first three Tests and captained India to several different victories. His personal life was controversial, though - infidelities and fixing allegations were portrayed in the Netflix film about him released in 2023, "Caught Out: Crime. Corruption. Cricket." However, he is characterized as one of the greatest cricketers India has ever produced.

Gundappa Ranganath Viswanath was born in Bangalore on 12 February 1949, and he is a former Indian cricketer known for the grace with which he batted, comparable to any great batsman in the history of Test cricket. He batted for India from 1969 to 1983, scored over 6,000 runs in 91 Test matches, and held the highest Test score by any Indian for many years with 222. He was also an excellent fielder and briefly captained India during the year 1979-80. He is married to Kavita, the sister of Sunil Gavaskar. His legacy has been celebrated in an autobiography titled Wrist Assured.