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Ravi Shastri Builds His Perfect Indian Batter; Picks Virat Kohli, Ignores Rohit Sharma

Anurag Dasgupta

Shastri picks Virat Kohli over Rohit [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com] Shastri picks Virat Kohli over Rohit [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com]

Former India head coach, Ravi Shastri built his perfect India batter as he snubbed Rohit Sharma and went ahead with three other names, including Virat Kohli. In an interview with Wisden Cricket, Shastri was asked to pick Indian batters and make a perfect batter out of them, and the former cricketer went ahead with Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar and Virat Kohli.

When asked about what makes the three batters special - Shastri gave an elaborated answer and explained how the three are different and yet the best batters India has produced.

"I think, the top three for me would be Tendulkar, Gavaskar and Kohli," Shastri told Wisden.

He further added that Tendulkar is the most complete cricketer and is the greatest of all-time. For Gavaskar, Shastri stated that he is the best opener ever and has a watertight technique. He further lauded Virat Kohli by stating that he had an element of Viv Richards, as just like the West Indian, Kohli likes to be in your face of the opponent.

How true is Ravi Shastri's viewpoint on the top 3 batters?

Shastri hailed Tendulkar as the most complete batter of all time and this is true in every aspect. Touted as the "God" of cricket, Sachin Tendulkar was an all-format batter and an all-condition player as well. He had every shot in his cricketing book and had the ability to take down any bowler with utmost ease.

Gavaskar was called the "best opener" by Shastri and he was right when giving out the statement. During the 70s and the 80s, the original "Little Master" of India had to face the fearsome attack of the West Indies, and that too without the helmet. The pitches were uncovered and despite all the challenges, Gavaskar scored more than 10,000 runs and slammed 34 Test tons.

Finally, Kohli has the elements of Viv Richards in him. The West Indian was a fearless batter and was up for any challenge as the opponents feared him. Similarly, Kohli is aggressive, in your face and never shies away from a great battle on the field.