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

There have been several great batsmen in the history of cricket. From Don Bradman to Sunil Gavaskar, and from Gary Sobers to Steven Smith, the list is endless. All of them played hard and won matches for their team.

When you talk of impactful batsmen, you look at the ones who are the trendsetters and the leaders of the pack. Their teammates and rivals try to emulate their demeanor, style of play, and approach to the game. The fans, meanwhile, are in awe of their batting ability and performances.

Here is a list of the most impactful batsman of the last five decades, going back to the 1960s.

#5. Garfield Sobers - 1960s

Garfield Sobers

Sir Garfield Sobers was a genius; he bowled splendidly, batted superbly and fielded exquisitely.

Sobers was perhaps the best all-rounder of all time. He was a left-handed batsman who had the ability to play attacking shots and also defend his wicket when required.

Sobers was strong on the off-side. He could play on good pitches and bad ones, and off the front foot as well as the back foot. His cover-drives and square-cuts were amazing.

Sobers made his debut in 1954 and within a span of five years, became the leading batsman of his generation. In the 1960s, he played 49 Test matches and scored 4,563 runs. This comprised 15 centuries and 19 half-centuries.

#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.

#2. Sachin Tendulkar - 1990s

Sachin Tendulkar

They called him the "God of Cricket." Sachin Tendulkar took the legacy of Gavaskar and Richards forward by scoring a huge amount of runs in attacking style.

Tendulkar made his debut in 1989 at the age of 16 and soon became a cricketing colossus. He was an accumulator of runs and had a great appetite to play long innings. His straight drives, square-cuts and hooks were exquisite to watch. The crowds chanted "Sachiiiin," "Sachin" every time he came out to bat.

In the 1990s, Tendulkar played 69 Test matches and scored 5626 runs. This comprised 22 centuries and 21 half-centuries.

#1. Rahul Dravid - 2000s

Rahul Dravid

They called him "The Wall." He was known for his immense focus and determination, and the ability to play long innings.

Dravid was gifted with superb technique and solid courage. He made his debut in 1996 and within a span of four years became a force to reckon with.

Dravid played exquisite pulls, hooks and cover-drives. He was calm in his demeanor but severe in his application. If Tendulkar won matches for India, Dravid was the savior.

In the 2000s, Dravid played 103 Test matches and scored 8558 runs. This comprised 22 centuries and 42 half-centuries.