Listing the most impactful Test batsman from each of the last 5 decades

#4. Sunil Gavaskar - 1970s

Sunil Gavaskar

The decade of the 1970s belonged to Sunil Gavaskar. He arrived on the international scene with aplomb in 1971, scoring 774 runs against the mighty West Indies. The Little Master was a solid technician who was also renowned for his high concentration powers.

He played the square cuts, cover drives, and flicks with charm and grace. What was even more impressive was that he played without wearing a helmet for the most part of his career. He faced the likes of Malcolm Marshall, Imran Khan, Michael Holding, Ian Botham and others with ease.

In the 1970s, Gavaskar played 60 Test matches and scored 5647 runs. This comprised 25 half-centuries and 22 centuries.

#3. Vivian Richards - 1980s

Vivian Richards

Vivian Richards is considered the most explosive batsman of all time. He was aggressive, courageous and attacking, which was why he became a menace to all the bowlers of his time.

Richards sledged the bowlers to derive motivation. His duel with Dennis Lillee is documented in the annals of cricket history.

He played all kind of shots, but the pull and square-cut were his favorite. Like Gavaskar, he rarely wore a helmet. He was an impact player, and most of his contemporaries were in awe of him.

In the 1980s, Richards played 78 Test matches and scored 5113 runs.This comprised 15 centuries and 28 half-centuries.