Shaun Pollock and Dinesh Karthik discuss India’s best ODI batter, bowler and all-rounder
Former South African all-rounder Shaun Pollock and Indian wicketkeeper batter Dinesh Karthik came up with their picks for India’s best ODI batter, bowler, and all-rounder over the years in an interesting conversation ahead of the India-West Indies game. There were no doubts over picking India’s greatest two batters in the format and both the gentlemen agreed on the all-rounder role as well.
However, an interesting name popped up from Pollock and he named Javagal Srinath to be among the mix for India’s greatest ODI bowlers. He also introduced an aggressive Indian batter who is certainly up the ladder despite not being as successful as the other two but had a great impact in every game he played for India.
Sehwag would just be underneath those two: Shaun Pollock
On a fan’s question, Karthik had no hesitance in picking Sachin and Kohli as two of India’s greatest batters in ODIs and went on to pick Kapil Dev as India’s greatest all-rounder in the format. He noted that Kumble will have to be the best Indian bowler while naming Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh as his competitors in the formats.
“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. Kapil Dev will be the greatest all-rounder India has produced in ODI cricket. The 175 not out, obviously captaining and winning the World Cup. For bowlers, 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,” Dinesh Karthik told in a chat with Cricbuzz
Pollock was quick to bring in Srinath into the answer for India’s best bowler and eventually, ended up picking Kumble for his long excellent career for India. He added about Virender Sehwag should be added to the best Indian batters list for the effect he has had on the opposing sides.
“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. 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,” Shaun Pollock responded to Karthik’s picks.
