Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has revealed the name of Greatest Test Batsmen of the 21st century. Chopra uploaded a video on his YouTube picking the 21st century Test G.O.A.T. He did this fun exercise in the 5th episode of ‘ Betway Cricket Chaupaal’. However, while picking the greatest batsmen no player from the modern-day fab-4 made it to the list. This means his list didn’t have names like Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, Virat Kohli, and Joe root.
Aakash Chopra started the video with former Indian captain Rahul Dravid. Dravid has scored 9966 runs at an average of 52 in the 124 matches. Rahul also scored 28 hundred in his marvelous career. He asserted:
“Let me start with Rahul Dravid. He is a colossal, he is a giant. Rahul is remembered for some iconic moments, Rawalpindi – 270, Adelaide – double century and 70-odd, Eden Gardens – an equally important knock as Laxman. Rahul is the only Indian to score four centuries in consecutive innings, out of which three came in England.”
Cricketer turned commentator selected former South African legend Jacques Kallis. Kallis smashed 10660 runs at an average of 59 in 123 matches he also scored 38 centuries. Aakash Chopra said :
“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 next four in Aakash Chopra’s list of Greatest Test batsman
Australian great Ricky Ponting was next on the list of Aakash Chopra. Ricky Ponting scored 10968 runs at an average of 53 in 130 matches including 34 hundred. Meanwhile, Chopra also talked about Pointing’s average in Asia which is just 40 and just 29 in India. Former cricketer mentioned:
“Ricky Ponting, third-highest run-scorer in the 21st century. The average is 60 at home with 19 centuries. He has also scored 1000+ runs in a year in Tests on five occasions.”
The Sri Lankan legendary wicketkeeper-batsman Kumar Sangakkara was next on the list. Chopra told Sangakkara has scored 12226 runs in 130 matches at an average of 58 including 38 hundred. Former Indian opener remarked :
“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.”
The highest run-scorer of all time Sachin Tendulkar was picked by Chopra next. Sachin scored 9505 runs in 121 matches at an average of 51. He also scored as many as 27 hundred in the 21st century. Aakash highlighted:
“Sachin Tendulkar – an average of 58 in Australia, an average of 55 in South Africa, an 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 final name in Aakash Chopra’s list of greatest was former England captain Alastair Cook. Cook scored 12472 runs at an average of 45 with 33 centuries, was named as the final pick. He stated:
“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.”
Who is the greatest among the six batsmen?
While selecting the one name of the six greatest cricketers of all time Chopra decided to go with an unpopular choice. He asserted that Jacques Kallis is the greatest Test batsman of the 21st century.
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