Sportskeeda's Top 50 Indian Test cricketers of all-time (30-21)
Following in the wake of ranks 40-31 last week, we continue our count down featuring the very best of players to represent India in Test cricket. This particular segment of our exclusive weekend special contains quite a few names from the current Indian team.
Here are the major factors which have been taken into consideration while assessing the impact created by these iconic cricketers.
a) Overall career consistency.
b) Performances in matches won.
c) Performances in Tests outside India.
d) Game-changing efforts in big matches against quality opponents on Indian soil.
e) Stature in world cricket; opinions of peers and various experts.
f) Establishing new trends by breaking previously existing stereotypes.
g) Minimum cut-off of 1000 runs for batsmen/100 wickets for bowlers/50 dismissals for wicket-keepers in order to formulate a meaningful sample size.
h) Statistics have not been assumed to be the be-all and end-all of a player’s value. A general consensus has been arrived after factoring in every aspect of each cricketer’s career.
(*Note: Statistics for all active players are accurate as of 15th October 2017)
#30 Vijay Manjrekar
Even though he had been brought up on pitches predominantly assisting spinners in the domestic circuit, Vijay Manjrekar managed to master the art of batting against raw and hostile pace. Quashing all preconceived notions encircling the Indian batsmen of his era, the Mumbaikar hooked and pulled the quickest of bowlers with consummate ease.
Be it Fred Trueman's fiery spells or Graham McKenzie's deceptively quick deliveries, Vijay Manjrekar stood tall and emerged unscathed to shore up India's fortunes. However, a lackadaisical attitude towards fitness (not uncommon for cricketers of his era) prevented him from realizing his true potential. Nevertheless, his immense courage, as well as a flamboyant style of batting, earned the respect of numerous opponents across the globe. His son Sanjay also enjoyed a productive Test career before becoming a popular commentator.
Career Span: 1952-1965
Statistics: 3208 runs from 55 matches at an average of 39.12 with 7 centuries and 15 fifties