Best run-chasers for India in the modern era

Gambhir has been India’s silent hero in many chasesChasing in one-day internationals is a difficult art to master. When batting first, there is no scoreboard pressure and the batsman can score freely without much pressure. But batting second is a different cup of tea, performing under scoreboard pressure requires immense mental strength.Though tougher the job, the more recognition it provides on performing it well. That’s why some of the best chasers in ODIs are given a lot of respect in the cricketing world. A pertinent question to that query is who has been the best run chasers for India in the modern era (since 2000).Let’s try and find out India’s five best chasers of the modern era in this slideshow.

#5 Rohit Sharma

Rohit should perform in many upcoming Indian chases

Rohit Sharma seems a surprise inclusion in this list but the ‘Hitman’, as he is fondly called has transformed from a promising but underperforming ODI batsman to one of India’s greatest ODI match winners.

Even while chasing Rohit has been a consistent performer for India. His recent hundred against South Africa though didn’t win India the match but it was a testimony to his talent and ability to perform while chasing.

Rohit has played 86 innings while chasing and scored 2563 runs at an average of 39.43 with a strike rate of 80.54. His record should only improve because he has become a more consistent ODI performer than he was 2-3 years ago.

Opening also gives him enough time to get set and play long innings like the two double hundreds he has scored. India will hope that Rohit will win India many more ODI matches in the future.

#4 Sachin Tendulkar

Tendulkar is not a surprise addition in any list of Indian batsman

Not many lists with Indian players would be complete without the name of Sachin Tendulkar in them and this list is no exception. His records are so exemplary that his name pops up in most of the lists.

Tendulkar has single handedly won many games for India while chasing. His performance during the Sharjah dirt storm against the Aussies is still imbibed in the fans memory. Such was his brilliance that in the nineties, most of the Indian chases were over once he got out.

The master has played 124 innings while chasing since 1 January 2000 and scored 4459 runs at an average of 39.46 with a strike rate of 84.99. His record in chasing is below his record while batting first but still his record while chasing is good enough to make this list of superb chasers.

#3 Gautam Gambhir

Gambhir was the silent performer in many successful Indian chases

Gautam Gambhir has been one of the most underrated cricketers in Indian cricketer. He performed consistently, but rarely he got the recognition like the Tendulkar’s and Kohli’s. It was his grit to perform for his nation that he overcame many bowling attacks and performed.

Gambhir was the architect behind India’s victory in 2011 World Cup final. His innings paved the way for MS Dhoni to unleash his magic. This innings wasn’t the only one in which Gambhir excelled while chasing but he has been a prolific chaser throughout his career.

The Indian opener has played 78 innings while chasing and scored 3093 runs at an average of 45.48 with a strike rate of 86.15. His record is brilliant and as an opener his contributions were vital for the team as he provided his team the foundation so that the others can come in, perform and finish the chases.

#2 MS Dhoni

Dhoni has won many games for India while chasing

MS Dhoni is arguably the best finisher ever in ODIs. He is also a wonderful chaser in the ODIs. The cool-headed captain of the Indian ODI team performs his best when under pressure and the pressure of runs doesn’t bother him one bit.

Even the pressure of the World Cup final didn’t deter him from performing well. He came out to bat when India was in a spot of bother and he was there on the pitch to hit the final six of the match which was a match winning shot.

Dhoni has played 115 innings while chasing and scored 3899 runs at an average of 51.98 with a strike rate of 83.27. It his his ability to stay at the crease till the match gets over which makes him a wonderful chaser.

Not many players in the world can perform as such a prolific rate while chasing as Dhoni has throughout his career and considering that he also has the added responsibility of captaincy, one can’t seem to praise him enough.

#1 Virat Kohli

Kohli is a wonderful chaser

Virat Kohli is arguably the best chaser the world has ever seen.The talented right-hander seems to enjoy the challenge of batting second and relishes when there is scoreboard pressure unlike many others.

In his young career, he has already won so many matches for India while chasing. Who will forget his epic innings in Hobart against Sri Lanka? It is his clear thinking, ability to absorb pressure and exceptional skills that make him a great chaser.

Kohli's record shows his chasing prowess. In 89 ODI innings while chasing, he has scored 4294 runs at an average of 61.34 with a strike rate of 91.98. Already he is the second highest scorer for India while chasing and that shows his exceptional talent.

India will hope that he maintains his wonderful record in the years to come while chasing and keeps on winning matches for India with his chasing prowess.