Rohit Sharma has always been known for his calm demeanour, explosive batting, and a cricketing brain that sees the game differently. Whether it’s sending bowlers into orbit with effortless sixes or leading from the front as a captain, Rohit’s approach to cricket is both elegant and fiercely effective.
He is not just a run machine, he’s a student of the game and that is exactly what came through when he was asked to name the top five Indian batsmen of all time.
But here is the thing. Rohit didn’t dive into stats or records. Instead, he chose to name the cricketers who inspired him personally, the ones he watched growing up, and the ones who shaped his cricketing mindset. And that’s what makes his list all the more relatable and heartfelt.
According to Rohit Sharma, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag, VVS Laxman, Sourav Ganguly are the top five Indian batsmen of all time.
Rohit made it clear this wasn’t an “all-time” list. Legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Gundappa Viswanath didn’t make the cut only because Rohit hadn’t seen them play firsthand. His choices reflect his own cricketing journey, and you can see how each of these players influenced his game in some way.
“When I was young, I had seen no one other than paaji (Sachin)… Then I started following others like Rahul Dravid, Sehwag, Laxman and Dada. These are the top five that I have seen,” he said during an Instagram Live with Harbhajan Singh.
Sachin Tendulkar, widely known as the ‘God of Cricket’, is India’s all-time leading run-scorer and a master of consistency across formats. Rahul Dravid, the dependable ‘Wall’ of Indian cricket, was known for his rock-solid technique and unmatched patience.
Virender Sehwag redefined opening batting with his fearless strokeplay and explosive run-scoring ability. VVS Laxman earned a reputation as a crisis man, especially for his elegant and game-saving knocks against top sides. Sourav Ganguly, the aggressive left-hander and visionary captain, transformed Indian cricket with his bold leadership and fighting spirit.