Former South Africa captain Shaun Pollock and veteran India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik have picked India’s greatest batter, bowler and all-rounders of the ODI format. Pollock and Karthik got involved in an interesting conversation where they were asked to name the greatest India players in ODIs.
Karthik was the first to respond, stating that when it comes to batting, it’s a toss-up between two of the biggest superstars the country has produced – Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. It’s a known fact that both Tendulkar and Kohli have achieved several milestones as ODI batters for India. While the Mumbaikar is the highest run-getter in the format with 18,426 runs, Kohli is the leader among the currently active players with over 12,000 runs.
Karthik further named Anil Kumble as the greatest Indian bowler. At the same time, he went with legendary Kapil Dev for the all-rounder’s category before adding Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh to the bowlers’ list.
“For the greatest batter, there will be a close toss-up between Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. It’s a hard one to choose between the two. Greatest bowler, immediately Anil Kumble’s name comes to mind,” Karthik told Cricbuzz.
“Kapil Dev will be the greatest all-rounder has produced in ODI cricket. the 175 not out, obviously captaining and winning the World Cup. For a bowler, there have been many, but Anil Kumble would be right up there. I’m just running to think who else can be there… Zaheer Khan, Harbhajan Singh,” Karthik added.
After Karthik, it was Pollock’s turn, and the Proteas star started by picking Javagal Srinath as one name that should be considered. Notably, Srinath was the leader of India’s pace attack in the 1990s. Pollock agreed with Karthik on the all-rounder’s choice as well as the batters one involving Tendulkar and Kohli. However, Pollock also added explosive opener Virender Sehwag‘s name to the list.
“What about Javagal Srinath? He was brilliant in my time, bowling on those surfaces. Zaheer Khan was brilliant as well. But Kumble, I think, would be the key. His longevity and ability to perform particularly in those days,” explained Pollock.
“I would agree with you on Kapil Dev. The only other name I would throw into the equation is, and that’s because of the battles I’ve had with him and the pressure he put us… Tendulkar, Kohli and maybe Viru. Sehwag would just be underneath those two,” Pollock added.
