5 most loved Indian Cricketers of all time

Today ICC recognises around 125 countries that play cricket. But the hype and worship for cricket in the Indian sub-continent is unmatched. Be it India or Pakistan, there are die-hard fans for players of both the nations.

Cricket in India is not just a sport, but a religion. Since the 90's, the game is one of the most discussed topics in the news as well as in houses. In a country of billions where almost everyone is crazy about cricket, just breaking into the national team remains a dream for many.

India, as a motherland, has given birth to many such legends who have carved out a special mention in the history books. Fans see them in high regards and treat them with the utmost love and admiration.

With all said and done, here are five Indian cricketers who are least hated by the fans for their gentlemanly attitude and contribution to the game.

Honourable Mentions: Zaheer Khan, Anil Kumble, Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, and Sourav Ganguly

#5 (Shared) MS Dhoni and Virender Sehwag

Captain Cool with the Nawab of Najafgarh

What's not to love about MS Dhoni and Virender Sehwag? The two superstars come from different backgrounds, have different styles of play, but fans shower unconditional love on both of them. Media houses have tried to create a spat between them on a plethora of occasions, but Sehwag and Dhoni have always had each other's back.

For Sehwag, ruthlessness and aggressiveness weren't mere two words. It was his explosive attack right from the start that made him one of the most feared batsmen of all time. His exceptional hand-eye coordination and the ability to hit the bowl out of the stadium made him the heartthrob of the nation. Taking the side to victory single-handedly at multiple occasions, Sehwag is a rare talent that comes up only once in years. His opening partnership with Sachin Tendulkar has kept fans on the edge of their seats for years.

Laxman Sivaramakrishnan was all praise for Sehwag.

The bowler might be good but when Sehwag thinks he wants to hit, God forbid anyone standing in the way.

As for MS Dhoni, words are less to describe the manner in which he has changed the dynamics of the game. Coming from a small town Ranchi, Dhoni's rise to the Indian team is nothing short of unbelievable. The only cricketer to lead his country to wins in all the ICC events, "Captain Cool" is one of the best finishers in the limited over formats of cricket. A 3-in-1performer in the form of a wicketkeeper, an explosive middle-order batsman, and an elite strategist, Dhoni has excelled in all three categories which makes him all the more special. Even at 37, his entrance on the field receives a phenomenal reaction from the fans. The craziness and fanfare for him are justified for there's possibly nothing left for MSD to conquer.

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly had some remarkable words to say about Dhoni.

Dhoni backs players as well. People like Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, and Rohit Sharma have developed under him as players and has some terrific qualities as a leader.

#4 Kapil Dev

Kapil Dev put India on the cricketing map when the team won the 1983 World Cup in England. Playing in an era where there was hardly any TV coverage, especially in India, the former captain still managed to win million hearts with his superb batting and equally deadly bowling performances.

His list of achievements does not get exhausted only with the World Cup trophy. He remains the only player to have achieved the all-rounder's double of 4,000 Test runs and 400 Test wickets and has most innings in a career (184) without being run out. Kapil's innings of 175 against Zimbabwe defined his vitality, as despite being down with fever and injury, he still came out to bat, and the rest is history.

If you stand under a mountain and look up, you will get a bad pain in the neck. If you look at the ground and take one step, and then another step, then you come to a little bump. You think of how to climb over it; then you find a gap and you jump over it and you go on like that, one step at a time, and suddenly, you find yourself standing on top of the mountain. - Kapil.

With him ranked amongst the most distinguished captains and all-rounders of the game, talent like Kapil Dev is hard to replicate. Playing in an era with no media hush-hush, he still doesn't get the credit he deserves.

#3 Yuvraj Singh

The man who defeated cncer. — The man who defeated cancer.

Yuvraj Singh's name resonates with a fighter who will go down fighting but would never let his side down. His performances in the 2007 T20 and ICC 2011 World Cup proved that hard work pays off, sooner or later. Even after getting diagnosed with cancer which started showing symptoms during the 2011 World Cup itself, Yuvi performed admirably in the tournament and was deservedly adjudged as the player of the series.

Tough aren't those who make the most of their best time, but those who have the guts to fight back when they are down, and the stakes are high. Yuvraj Singh is the classic example of how to make the perfect comeback with his achievements in life far exceeding his accomplishments on the cricket field.

I was not going to feel sorry for myself. No, why should I? When my form came back, or when I picked up wickets, or when I got the big scores, or when I got player of the match, or hit six sixes, had I ever asked God, ‘why me?’ Of course not. Often in my career, I have been the man with silver in the fist. Have I ever asked God, ‘why me?’ No, never. So when the illness came I had no right to ask ‘why me? - Yuvraj.

In the back end of his career, Yuvi is struggling to break into the senior team once again. It'll be hard to see him go once he hangs up his boots, but his determination and hunger to achieve greatness will always be second to none.

#2 Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar carried the Indian Team on his shoulders for around two decades and became a global phenomenon. One of the greatest batsmen to have graced the field, Tendulkar's records speak for themselves. The only player with 100 centuries in international cricket, Sachin Tendulkar is the name people think of whenever cricket as a topic comes up.

For 23 years, Sachin's technique and finesse kept fans glued to their TV sets, and every straight drive or cover drive would receive a thunderous ovation from the crowd, be it in India or any country abroad.

Late Aussie journalist Peter Roebuck shared his experience of witnessing the craze for the "Master Blaster."

On a train from Shimla to Delhi, there was a halt in one of the stations. The train stopped by for few minutes as usual. Sachin was nearing century, batting on 98. The passengers, railway officials, everyone on the train waited for Sachin to complete the century. This Genius can stop time in India!

Despite being one of the all-time greats, his humbleness and sportsman spirit makes him a respectable human being who never tried to come up with anything derogatory even when opponents tried to sledge him on numerous occasions.

#1 Rahul Dravid

Was there ever any doubt? A few have come close, but Rahul Dravid validated cricket as the gentleman's game. Fondly referred to as "Jammy", Dravid was one selfless cricket who was willing to put everything on the line to ensure the team goes all the way. Be it wicketkeeping, opening the innings, going down the order, or making a place for a newcomer, the veteran never kept "I" over "we."

My approach to cricket has been reasonably simple: it was about giving everything to the team, it was about playing with dignity and it was about upholding the spirit of the game. I hope I have done some of that. I have failed at times, but I have never stopped trying. It is why I leave with sadness but also with pride. - Dravid.

Even after retiring from all formats of the game, Dravid chooses to stay away from the limelight and is the current coach of the India Under-19 team. Under his guidance, the side went on to lift the World Cup earlier this year.

Not just Indians, players and fans from all around the world have only praises for the "Wall."