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Test Cricket is the ultimate challenge for a player as it is a test of endurance, temperament and physical capacity at the highest level. Even after the rising popularity of the limited-overs format, it is the red-ball cricket that attracts the most attention to judge the expertise of a player.
A Test cap is an unprecedented glory for any cricketer and one of the defining moments of his career. A Test century or 5-wicket haul is always special for an athlete as it is earned from an extremely disciplined approach.
Sound technique, strong temperament, critical evaluation of the conditions and a high degree of athleticism are required to succeed in the longest format of the game. This is the reason that several limited over specialists have not been able to thrive at the highest level, whereas some stalwarts developed their game to dominate Test Cricket.
As India gears up for the Test series in England, we have a look at the All Time Greatest 11 of India.
Openers - Sunil Gavaskar and Virender Sehwag
Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar is arguably the best opening batsman the world has ever witnessed. Gavaskar was one of the stalwarts of the game who established India on a pedestal in world cricket.
The Little Master possessed all the traits of a classic Test batsman. An unparalleled technique, impeccable concentration and astute timing characterized his batting. Gavaskar had a particularly pristine technique against seamers. In an era dominated by a vicious Caribbean attack, he enjoyed an astounding average of 65.45 against them.
Sunny personified consistency, courage and exuberance as he became the first player in the world to achieve an unprecedented milestone of 10,000 Test runs. He also held the record for most Test centuries (34) for almost two decades. Gavaskar is the only Indian batsman to score a hundred in both the innings of a match on three occasions. He also notched the highest score by an Indian in Test cricket at his time, 236*, once again against the West Indies.
The Sheriff of Mumbai was the first batsman who taught the world how to attach a price tag on one's wicket. His technical expertise, relentless tenacity and the temperament to play a long inning make him the first choice opener for India.
Sunil Gavaskar's Test Record
Matches: 125 Runs: 10122 Average: 51.12 100s:34 200s: 4 Best: 236*
Virender Sehwag
Virender Sehwag revolutionized the stereotypes about Test batting, with his destructive stroke playing ability. There was not much buzz about his Test debut due to his aggressive approach, Sehwag surprised one and all with his success in red ball cricket. What's even better, he achieved this glory sticking to the same formula.
Sehwag had the ability to tear apart the best of bowling attacks with unerring consistency. The Nawab of Najafgarh was never daunted by the situation, opposition, ground or the pitch as he came out all guns blazing.
Viru was one of the exceptions who came as a path changer for world cricket, redefining the role of an opener. Not only did he have the knack to play aggressive, but also the perseverance to carry his bat across sessions.
Sehwag also seemed to have an inclination towards big hundreds; his last eleven scores being 150+, thereby breaking Sir Don Bradman's record of most consecutive centuries above 150.
In 2004, the Sultan of Multan blasted the Pakistani bowling attack to end the 72-year drought and became the first Indian to notch a triple century. He did not stop there, as he wreaked havoc on a South African bowling line up at the peak of their form and fitness, en route his highest score of 319. This was the fastest triple century in the history of cricket, coming off just 278 balls.
Sehwag's success perplexed some of the greats and experts of the game, as he scripted glory with his nonchalant and audacious self, and a technique shattering the stereotypes. But it was his courage and vigour that formed the most beautiful aspects of his game.
Virender Sehwag's Test Record
Matches: 104 Runs:8586 Average: 49.34 100s: 23 200s: 6 300s: 2 Best: 319
The cautious and patient approach of Gavaskar and the attacking technique of Sehwag make them an extremely dangerous opening pair.
Middle Order
Rahul Dravid
The role of a No.3 batsman is crucial in every format, and it becomes even more challenging in Test cricket. In case of an early wicket, the batsman has to set the tone for the innings, and coming in after a huge opening partnership he has to maintain the momentum.
Dravid was an exemplary batsman for India over the years, and he personified class, elegance, discipline and devotion. One of the most dedicated and selfless players, Dravid was so arduous that he could single-handedly frustrate the opposition's bowling line up, mentally more than physically.
His stature as a player can be ascertained by the fact that his wicket was priced more than that of maestro Sachin Tendulkar. Hailed as The Wall, Dravid came as a blessing to India's foreign agonies as he exhibited immaculate batsmanship in away tours. He was also an athletic fielder, with the record for most catches by a non-wicketkeeper, 210.
Dravid formed a pillar of the batting line up, and he ended up facing the most number of balls and spent the highest time on the crease in Test cricket. Dravid is the second highest run scorer for India and the fifth overall in the longest format.
Rahul Dravid's Test Record
Matches: 164 Runs: 13,288 Average: 52.31 100s: 36 200s: 5 Best: 270
Sachin Tendulkar
This name requires no introduction. Sachin Tendulkar is the player you would be instantly wanting in your team, as he ticks all the checkboxes of a complete player. The Master has been a prolific run scorer for India in the longest format of the game for more than two decades.
Entering the international arena at a tender age of 16, Tendulkar took by storm some of the most lethal bowling attacks of sides such as Australia, England and Pakistan, that too, at their own backyard. Tendulkar boasted of technique coupled with the temperament to succeed in the longest format of the game. He had a wide array of shots, but his pristine straight drive topped it all.
Sachin was a multi-dimensional player, who contributed in all sorts of situations. He had the ability to build the innings patiently, score at a brisk pace and to negotiate some of the finest bowling attacks to save a match. He was also handy with his bowling and played the vital role of a partnership breaker.
Inevitably, Master Blaster ended up with the highest runs in Test cricket and the most centuries.
Sachin Tendulkar's Test Record
Matches: 200 Runs: 15,921 Average: 53.78 100s: 51 200s: 6 Best:248*
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is unarguably the best batsman in the world at the moment. The 29-year old is the youngest player in this squad. Virat is a batsman who stamps his authority on every game and opposition. He likes to dominate the game in every situation and more often than not takes his team cross the line.
The Indian captain possesses the 4 Ts, Talent, Technique, Timing and Temperament to succeed in Test cricket. Initially termed as a limited overs specialist, Kohli shrugged off the tag with consistent performances, especially on overseas tours. He has the capability of wearing out and tearing out any bowling attack with his mindful calculations.
He showcased his ability to play a long innings by amassing 6 double centuries, joint most by an Indian, within a span of 17 months. Kohli forms a vital cog at the No.5 slot, as he can negotiate and accelerate as per the situation.
With a passion to win, and a hunger second to none, Virat gets going with his disciplined approach without any psychological barrier. He has proved time and again that verbal duels would not be effective against him, as they seem to drive him harder. He has scored runs in all parts of the world except England, and he would be keen on making an impact on the English turf.
Virat Kohli's Test Record:
Matches: 66 Runs: 5554 Average: 53.4 100s: 21 200s: 6 Best: 243
Dravid, Tendulkar and Kohli are complete batsmen in all respects, with the ability to score overseas and play big knocks. The trio forms a formidable middle order.
Wicketkeeper
Mahendra Singh Dhoni (c)
MS Dhoni would be the first choice wicket-keeper of any team, irrespective of format. Though not widely acclaimed for his Test technique, Dhoni has exhibited his skills as a Test batsman time and again.
Dhoni has been instrumental to India's success in the longest format, with with the willow and the gloves. He has been rock solid on one end and combined with the tailenders to stitch vital partnerships.
He was particularly successful in England, where he held on against a strong English line up to draw the Test at Lord's , in the early phase of his career. He was also one of the few batsmen who salvaged pride in the disastrous tour of 2014. He also recorded a record 9th wicket partnership of 140 runs with Bhuvneshwar Kumar en route his only double hundred.
The veteran has the most Test runs and dismissals by an Indian wicket-keeper. His feedback and constant encouragement from behind the stumps serve as a motivation during long partnerships. He is the only Indian wicket-keeper to score a double century.
MSD has been the best Test skipper for India, winning 27 out of the 60 matches he captained. He led India on top of ICC Rankings for the first time in 2009, and had a record-breaking unbeaten stint in his first 11 matches as captain. He also led India to famous win at Lord's in 2014, after 28 years.
MS Dhoni's Test Record:
Matches: 90 Runs: 4876 Average: 38.09 100s: 6 200s: 1 Best: 224 Catches: 256 Stumpings: 38
MS Dhoni is just the game-changer that the side requires. With an unparalleled reader of the game and situation, and with his ability to effectively channelize the resources, he is the Captain of this squad.
All Rounders
Kapil Dev
Kapil Dev is one of the most iconic cricketers to have dawned the Indian jersey. While he is largely celebrated for leading India to the 1983 World Cup triumph, his contribution in Test cricket was no less.
Kapil Dev was one of the four genuine all-rounders of his era, exercising equal expertise on both the skills of the game. Aggressive and athleticism were the key aspects of his game. He remained as India's strike bowler for most of his career and was an attacking lower-middle order batsman. Dev impersonated the expression "Attack is the Best Defence" and steered the side out of difficult situations with this attitude.
He was particularly known for his savage outswinger, fetching him most of scalps. Kapil Dev is the most successful Indian pacer, with more than 400 wickets. He has the best bowling figures by a captain in Tests, with his 9/83. He became Test's highest wicket-taker in 1994, with 434 wickets to his name.
The Haryana Hurricane remains the only man in the history of cricket to have scored more than 5000 runs and taken more than 400 wickets, making him one of the best all-rounders.
Kapil Dev's Test Record:
Matches: 131 Runs: 4258 Average: 31.05 100s: 8 Best: 163
Wickets: 434 5W: 23 10W: 2 BBI: 9/83 BBM: 11/146
Ravichandran Ashwin
Ashwin entered into the international arena as a limited overs specialist and broke into the Test squad on the back of his consistent performances. Since then, there has been no looking back and he has become a pivotal element in the squad.
Ashwin is extremely handy in the subcontinental conditions with his stock of deliveries, and has the ability to overpower the best in the world. He also surprised one and all with his success with the willow and has become a complete all-rounder, also topping the ICC Rankings for a long duration.
Ashwin is the fastest Indian to complete a double of 500 runs and 50 wickets, doing so in 11 test matches. He is also the highest Indian wicket-taker in a four-match test series, with 28 scalps. The 31-year old is also the fastest to 250 and 300 wickets as well as 25 fifers. He has the most scalps in a home season, with 79 wickets in 2016-17.
Ashwin can also play a good hand with the bat, and usually bats at the No.6 slot, ahead of wicket-keeper Wridhhiman Saha and all-rounder Hardik Pandya. The off-spinner won the prestigious ICC Test Cricketer of the year in 2016, for his break-through performances.
Ravichandran Ashwin's Test Record:
Matches : 58 Runs: 2145 Average: 30.64 100s: 4 Best: 124
Wickets: 316 5W: 26 10W: 7 BBI: 7/59 BBM: 13/140
Kapil Dev and R. Ashwin give great balance to the sides on the ground of their roles as fast bowling and spin all rounders. They are proven match winners and the duo can give headaches to any side with their versatility.
Spinner
Anil Kumble
Anil Kumble is the best Indian bowler in red-ball cricket, with 619 scalps to his name. He epitomized class and elegance and was one of the true gentlemen of the game. He had an unorthodox technique and did not turn the ball much, he agonized batsmen with his flipper and faster deliveries.
Jumbo, as he is fondly called, was one of the most committed and professional athletes. His superhuman effort to dismiss Brian Lara with a broken jaw in Antigua, 2002, is a testimony of his valour and vigour.
Kumble is only the second bowler in the world to claim all 10 wickets in a Test inning, achieving the feat in Feroz Shah Kotla in 1999, as he ran through the entire Pakistani batting order.
Anil Kumble is the highest Indian and third highest wicket-taker in the format. He is only the fourth bowler to have more than 30 five-wicket hauls. Kumbe also has a test century against his name, coming against England at The Oval in 2007.
Anil Kumble's Test Record :
Matches: 132 Wickets: 619 5W: 35 10W: 8 BBI: 10/74 BBM: 14/149
The off-spin and leg-spin combination of Ashwin and Kumble promises to spin a web around the batsmen and shall be invincible on turning tracks.
Fast Bowlers
Javagal Srinath
Javagal Srinath was the first genuine pacer of India, someone who could trouble the batsmen with his ferocious velocity. Entering the international scenario as India's third choice pacer, he was forced to miss out of the playing eleven in home matches.
However, the Mysore Express was extremely lethal in the foreign pitches. He had the best record against the Proteas, taking 60 Test wickets against them.
Srinath became the spearhead of the Indian bowling attack after the retirement of Kapil Dev and continued to be the lynchpin of the line up even after his return from a shoulder injury.
The fastest ball recorded by him is 157 km/hr. Srinath later added swing and cutters into his arsenal which further improved his merit as a seamer. In addition to this, he was a decent batsman, with a high score of 76, and was tried in the middle order by captain Mohammad Azharuddin.
Javagal Srinath's Test Record :
Matches: 67 Wickets: 236 5W 1 10W: 1 BBI: 8/86 BBM: 13/132
Zaheer Khan
Zaheer Khan came as a blessing to Indian cricket at the turn of the century, taking the baton from Javagal Srinath. Pace, yorker, swing or reverse swing, Khan had it all in his artillery. He was one of the most complete and versatile bowlers of his era.
ZAK was adept in exercising his supremacy with all three types of cricket balls (Kookaburra, SG and Dukes). His reverse swing with the old ball was lethal and a great asset in Test matches. Zaheer was particularly successful against left-handed batsmen with the new ball and was crucial in providing opening breaks.
Zaheer Khan is the second most successful seamer for India after Kapil Dev, and the most successful left-arm seamer. He also has the highest score by an Indian No.11 batsman to his name, with 75 runs.
Zaheer Khan emerged as the leader of the Indian pace attack throughout the decade and enjoyed great success in overseas tours.
Zaheer Khan's Test Record :
Matches: 92 Wickets: 311 5W: 11 10W: 1 BBI: 7/87 BBM:10/149
Kapil Dev, Srinath and ZAK are the three most successful Indian seamers in the history. The trio has a wide range of deliveries and variations and promises to breathe fire, especially in pace-friendly conditions.
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