VVS Laxman picks India's best XI of last 25 years

India's run in Test cricket in past two decades has been prolific. Indian cricket is blessed with some great players who went on to make their mark on the grand stage. The team went on to win a Test series in England, broke Australia's unbeaten tally, grabbed the no.1 position in ICC rankings courtesy of some maestros' inevitable contributions.

One such legend, VVS Laxman who amassed over 8700 runs in white jersey with his never give up attitude recently picked his India's best XI of last 25 years on an interview with ESPN Cricinfo. There were few obvious choices, only three of now active players made up to the XI.

So let's have a look at this very very special XI.

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Openers

#1 Virender Sehwag

Sultan of Multan aka Virender Sehwag is one of the players who picks himself. Viru was unarguably the most destructive opener in the context of the game. Over 8500 runs with two triple centuries, averaging 50 with a strike rate of 80, Sehwag was a nightmare to the opposition.

#2 Murali Vijay

Vijay forms the opening pair with Sehwag. Vijay has scored nearly 4000 runs in his 57 test long career with a decent average of 40. With Sehwag doing the damage at one end, he would be pacing the innings. Currently, he was ruled out of Indian squad for the fourth and fifth test against England replaced by Prithvi Shaw.

Middle Order

#3 Rahul Dravid

Rahul Dravid is an obvious choice for every Test XI. The Wall used to anchor the innings with his orthodox style of play. Remarked as one of the toughest batsmen to bowl to, Dravid holds the record for playing most number of balls in test cricket. Dravid retired as a legend with over 13000 runs and 36 centuries to his name. Currently, he serves as coach of the Indian boys U-19 team.

#4 Sachin Tendulkar

The god needs no introduction; such is the legacy of this man. In his two and half decade long career, the Master from Bombay achieved all most everything a player can desire for; the only person on the planet to play 200 Test matches, a tally of close to 16000 runs with 51 centuries with an average of 53.78.

#5 Virat Kohli

Current Indian skipper Virat Kohli is best modern day batsman from a mile. Virat has risen to the higher standards in his seven years long career scoring 5994 runs in 69 Tests he played. Since he had been handed over the captainship duties, Delhi lad has scored six double centuries to his name.

#6. Sourav Ganguly (C)

VVS chose his fellow skipper back then as the captain of this eleven. Ganguly earned himself the title of "god of off-side" by his excellent stroke play over the covers. Dada took the Indian Cricket to the level it is now, his for-seeing in the future and amazing leadership qualities helped the birth of a new era in the history of Indian Cricket.

#7. MS Dhoni (wk)

Dhoni is the most successful wicket-keeper for India with 256 catches and 38 stumping. Comprising of 4876 runs in the 90 Test matches MS was phenomenal in stitching partnerships with the tailenders. A blend of calm head and sound cricketing brain, MSD can be very helpful for Dada.

Spinner:

#8. Anil Kumble

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Kumble is the lone spinner in Laxman's special eleven. Karnataka born spin wizard is the third highest wicket-taker of all time with his 619 wickets accumulated in 18 years long career. Only Indian to pick all ten wickets in an innings, Jumbo was a lethal weapon irrespective of the conditions

Fast Bowlers:

#9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Bhuvi's career is only 21 Tests old but has left an impression of rising to higher ranks. Kumar could be the trump card for captain in overseas conditions courtesy of his both side swinging ability. Currently, he got ruled out of the England tour due to an injury.

#10. Zaheer Khan

Zak has scalped over 300 wickets in his career lasting over 14 years. Khan was known for his ability to swinging the new ball both ways and reverse swinging the old ball. Had it not been the injuries, he would have a retired with his name gold plated in record books. Back in 2017, he tied the knot with actress Sagarika Ghatge and is enjoying second innings of his life.

#11. Javagal Srinath

Srinath is often recognised as only genuine fast bowler India produced till date. With speed ticking over 145+ kmph regularly Srinath holds the record for fastest delivery (154.5 kmph) by an Indian. Srinath was India's frontline pacer in the 90s and is third highest wicket taker among Indian seamers. Currently, Srinath serves as match referee for ICC.