5. Sunil Gavaskar (India)
Sunil Gavaskar is a former cricketer who played India in the 1970’s and 1980’s. He is regarded as one of the top 10 greatest batsman of all time and one of the greatest opening batsman in cricket history. Gavaskar set world records during his career for the most Test runs and most Test centuries scored by any batsman. He held the record of 34 Test centuries for almost two decades before it was broken by Sachin in 2005. Gavaskar was widely admired for his technique against pace bowling with a astonishing average of 65.45 against the West Indies, who had a four-pronged fast bowling attack comprising of Micheal Holding, Joel Garner, Andy Roberts, Malcom Marshall who are regarded as the most vicious pace bowling combination in Test history.While Gavaskar could not be described as an attacking batsman, he had the ability of keeping the scoreboard ticking with unique shots such as the “late flick”. His focus of technical correctness over flair meant that his style of play was usually less suited to the shorter form of the game, at which he had less success. He is undoubtedly one of the top 10 greatest batsman of all time. Awarded the prestigious Col CK Naydu Lifetime Achievement Award for Cricket in India in 2012, Sunny Gavaskar takes the number 5 position in our list for Top 10 Greatest Batsman of All Time.
“It’s my approach, my view that Sunny Gavaskar is the greatest batsman I have come across. He has opened the innings against genuine fast bowlers like Holding, Roberts, Croft and Garner. He has made more runs away from India – in the West Indies, Australia and England,” Gary Sobers, Former West Indies All-Rounder.
