In response to a question from Asterix (See comment with Hats off to true fans – archives) I am declaring my all time Indian test eleven. Selecting only eleven from a list of such great cricketers is a hazardous task at the best of times, evidenced by the recent controversy regarding the selection of the World eleven that was thrashed by the Aussies.

I must first state my considerable limitations. To profess having the ability or knowledge to assess the relative worth of the careers of many of the games’ all time greats would be foolhardy in the extreme. I have the greatest respect for all these players and the list is offered purely as an academic exercise. It is also unreal to compare performances separated by decades during which the game itself has undergone significant changes in style, technique and tempo. In addition, there have been significant changes in the laws of the game during this time.

In selecting the team, I have followed certain principles that I think are crucial in evaluating careers. I have given importance to the duration for which players were able to perform at the highest level. For players with comparable records, I have given preference to those who had longer careers. I have also set an arbitrary limit of 30 tests to be considered for selection. Lala Amarnath, as a result, was not considered for selection as he played only 24 tests. I admit that this is unfair to cricketers who played pre 1970 as far fewer matches were played then. Who would think that Vijay Merchant played only 10 official test matches. Higher wieghtage was also given to runs scored away from home. Vinod Kambli, for example, was not considered even though his average of 54.2 is higher than that of some in the team. Kambli was good enough to play only 17 tests and most of his runs were scored in India. I have also tried to stay true to the position at which an individual player played as far as possible. For example, both Sachin and Gundappa Vishwanath played at No. 4 but Sachin gets that spot and Vishy comes in at No. 5 because I think he would still be effective there. Vengsarkar, similarly, misses out to Dravid at No. 3.

I must also confess that I am not adequately qualified to assess the performances of players before the era of Gavasker, Vishy and Bedi. I began playing and following cricket as a schoolboy from about that time. I do not think I can do justice to the genius of Polly Umriger, Vinoo Mankad or Nawab Pataudi by merely looking at cold statistics. Nawab Pataudi would, undoubtedly, be my captain had he made it to my side. Unfortunately, he does not, and I certainly do not believe in selecting the captain first!

I have followed a 6 batsman and 4 bowler format to match the current trend. The composition of the team would obviously change depending on playing conditions and the opposition. For example, VVS Laxman would always play in my team against the Aussies. Therefore, I am naming a full squad of 15 players as if leaving for a tour abroad. For example, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar would certainly play if Kumble were injured or the pitch was bouncy or two paced. Kumble makes it to the playing eleven by dint of consistency of performance over an unrivalled period of time.

Mohammed Azharuddin would have made it to the side but was not considered due to his involvement in match fixing. This is a team of gentlemen. My hardest choice was for the No. 6 spot. I have selected Vengsarkar to bat out of position over VVS purely because he lasted 116 tests to Laxman’s current tally of 67. They have very similar averages (42.1 and 43.3 respectively).

Without further delay, here is the roll of honor.

1. Sunil Manohar Gavaskar.

2. Virender Sehwag.

3. Rahul Sharad Dravid.

4. Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar.

5. Gundappa Rangnath Viswanath.

6. Dilip Balwant Vengsarkar.

7. Kapildev Ramlal Nikhanj (Captain).

8. Syed Mujtaba Hussein Kirmani.

9. Anil Kumble.

10. Javagal Srinath.

11. Bishen Singh Bedi.

The rest of the squad:

Polly Ratanji Umrigar.

Bhagwat Subramanya Chandrasekhar.

Vangipurappu Venkata Sai Laxman.

Farokh Maneksha Engineer.

Playing in India, if we went into a match with 3 spinners I would play one of Kumble or Chandrasekhar along with Bedi from the squad. The third spinner would be Erapalli Anatharao Srinivas Prasanna. Kumble and Chandrasekhar would be too similar to play together.

I chose Kapil as the captain instead of Gavaskar because I think he was better at motivating the team and more of a team man. Gavaskar, clearly, would make a more shrewd captain but with Sachin and Rahul in the side, Kapil would have no dearth of tactical input and advice! Knowing the Jaat, I know he would take it! Overall, I think it is a team to rival the best in the business.

I look forward to your comments.