All-time West India Test XI

#4 Middle-order

Sachin Tendulkar is the most prolific run-scorer in the history of Test cricket

Vijay Samuel Hazare was arguably India's first batting great. One of the major reasons for the country's enviable batting culture, the legendary right-hander represented both Baroda and Maharashtra in the domestic circuit. Not a man of too many words, he preferred to respond to aficionados as well as naysayers with his performances on the field. Having led India in 14 Tests, he gets the honour of leading this dream team too.

One among the myriad traditions in Test cricket pertains to the best batsman in the team occupying the decisive number four position. As with any all-time XI, Sachin Tendulkar replicates a role which he carried out with aplomb for India during an enriching career encompassing a jaw-dropping 24 years at the international arena. Proficient off both back and front foot, the modern-day maestro established himself as the hallmark of longevity in top-level sport.

With his distinguished capacity to adapt to different conditions across the globe, Dilip Vengsarkar adds teeth to the batting lineup and completes the middle-order. Even though fellow Mumbaikar Polly Umrigar has an equally legitimate claim for a place in the team, Vengsarkar's adept skill-set against spin and seam alike helps in swaying the decision in his favour. The elegant right-hander amassed 6868 Test runs at a splendid average of 42.13 with 17 centuries and 35 fifties.

Middle-order: Vijay Hazare (Baroda/Maharashtra), Sachin Tendulkar (Mumbai) and Dilip Vengsarkar (Mumbai)