Former India head coach Ravi Shastri stirred a lively debate after revealing his list of the top five Indian cricketers of all time—conspicuously omitting modern-day stars Jasprit Bumrah and Rahul Dravid. While Bumrah rose to prominence during Shastri’s tenure and Dravid remains a revered red-ball icon, Shastri instead leaned on legacy, influence, and impact in choosing his all-time greats.

Speaking on the Stick to Cricket podcast, Ravi Shastri named Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli as his top five. Gavaskar and Kapil, both legends of Indian cricket and part of the historic 1983 World Cup-winning team alongside Shastri, were automatic choices.

The former all-rounder, who has shared both commentary boxes and dressing rooms with the two, emphasised their role in shaping India’s early global identity in cricket. Sachin Tendulkar, unsurprisingly, featured in the list, with Shastri hailing his unmatched longevity and resilience under pressure.

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“Sachin had to deal with the greatest expectations and the fiercest fast bowling attacks in the world. His ability to adapt and deliver consistently across decades is what sets him apart,” Ravi Shastri noted.

Ravi Shastri picks his all-time top 5 Indian cricketers 👀🏏 pic.twitter.com/btILr3O09R

— Stick to Cricket (@StickToCricket) July 22, 2025

Completing the list were MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli—captains who led India with contrasting styles but left a lasting impact. Dhoni, who holds the record for most white-ball wins as Indian captain, and Kohli, India’s most successful Test captain, were both praised for their leadership and intensity.

Shastri clarified that Bumrah still has plenty of cricket left and could well enter the conversation in the future.

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When asked about cricket’s greatest rivalry, Ravi Shastri didn’t hesitate to recall the historic significance of India vs Pakistan. “The sheer passion, the eyeballs—it’s unmatched,” he said. However, he added that in the last decade, India vs Australia has emerged as the fiercest modern-day contest, citing the record-breaking crowds during the 2024-25 Boxing Day Test at the MCG.