Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has named his pick for the greatest Test batsmen of the 21st century. While several conventional batsmen made it to Aakash Chopra’s list, plenty of modern-day greats could not, such as Steve Smith, Virat Kohli, Joe Root, and Kane Williamson. In the end, he adjudged a rather unconventional choice as the best Test batsman of the 21st century.
Aakash Chopra started with Rahul Dravid, of whom he remembered some innings such as the ones produced in Rawalpindi, Kolkata, and Adelaide. The right-handed batsman featured in a staggering 164 Tests, scoring over 13000 runs and had been a vital cog in India’s batting unit for more than a decade.
Rahul Dravid (Image Credit: Twitter)
“Let me start with Rahul Dravid. He is a colossal, he is a giant. He is remembered for some iconic moments, Rawalpindi – 270, Adelaide – double century and 70-odd, Eden Gardens – an equally important knock as Laxman. He is the only Indian to score four centuries in consecutive innings, out of which three came in England,” Aakash Chopra told in his Youtube channel.
The 43-year old jumped to former South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis, who he reckons is a giant since batting is difficult in the rainbow nation. Aakash observed that Kallis boasts of a batting average of 62 at home and 60 in Asia. Furthermore, the seam-bowling all-rounder has mustered 1000 plus runs a year on five occasions.
Jacques Kallis. (Photo: Twitter)
“After that, Jacques Kallis, he is another giant. The best thing about him is that batting is really tough in South Africa. He has an average of 62 at home and 60 in Asia. He has scored 1000+ runs in a year in Tests five times,” the 43-year old stated.
The cricketer-turned-commentator moved on to name Ricky Ponting, who is Australia’s highest run-getter in Test cricket. The former Australian captain featured in 168 Tests and his 13378 runs is the second-highest in red-ball cricket. Ponting ended his career with an average of 51.85, with 41 centuries. But the right-handed batsman averaged only 29 in Asia.
“Ricky Ponting, third-highest run-scorer in the 21st century. Average is 60 at home with 19 centuries. He has also scored 1000+ runs in a year in Tests on five occasions,” he conceded.
Ricky Ponting (Image Credit: Twitter)
Aakash Chopra names an opener in his remaining three contenders:
Alastair Cook. (Credits: Twitter)
Aakash Chopra proceeded to Kumar Sangakkara, who has an incredible average at both home and SENA countries. The southpaw, whose career average is 57 with 12400 Test runs, has also scored over 1000 runs on five occasions. Chopra further mentioned Sachin Tendulkar, who was a lone performer for the better part of his career.
“Kumar Sangakkara, he is a left-handed genius. Second-highest run-scorer in the 21st century. He has an average of 49 in SENA countries, 62.5 at home. He has also scored 1000+ runs in a year in Tests five times. Sachin Tendulkar – average of 58 in Australia, average of 55 in South Africa, average of 45 in England. Away average and hundreds are more than those at home. He just carried the team on his shoulders for a long time although things started to change in the 21st century,” the ten-Test veteran commented.
Lastly, Aakash Chopra named former England captain Alastair Cook, who is his country’s highest-run getter in Test cricket. Cook featured in 161 Tests and retired with 12472 runs under his belt. The southpaw averages 48 in Australia and 51 in India, making 1000 plus runs on five occasions.
“The sixth name I have kept is Alastair Cook, the highest run-scorer in the 21st century. It is slightly difficult as an opener in England. He has an average of 48 in Australia and 51 in India. He has also scored 1000+ runs in a year in Tests on five occasions,” he added further.
Aakash Chopra concluded by saying it’s rather a difficult call, but he named Jacques Kallis as the greatest Test batsman of the 21st century.
