The debate over the greatest Test batters of the 21st century has taken an interesting turn, with England’s wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler and former fast bowler Stuart Broad revealing their top 10 choices.

The list, revealed on the ‘For the Love of Cricket’ podcast, features several legendary names from different generations.

Interestingly, Virat Kohli, despite being one of India’s most successful modern Test batters, was placed outside the top five.

Sachin Tendulkar leads the list of top 10 batters

There was no surprise at the top of the rankings, with Sachin Tendulkar taking the No. 1 position.

Tendulkar remains the leading run-scorer in Test cricket, having accumulated 15,921 runs in 200 matches at an average of 53.78. His record also includes 51 centuries and 68 half-centuries.

His career stretched across 24 years, but his impact on Test cricket went far beyond statistics. Tendulkar’s ability to adapt to different bowling attacks and conditions made him one of the most complete batters the game has produced.

Brian Lara and Steve Smith complete the top three

West Indies great Brian Lara occupied second place on the list. The elegant left-hander amassed 11,953 Test runs in 131 matches at an average of 52.88, including 34 centuries.

Lara’s ability to produce extraordinary innings, including his famous 400 not out, made him one of the most feared batters of his generation.

Australia’s Steve Smith was ranked third. Smith has scored 10,920 runs in 125 Tests at an impressive average of 56.00, along with 37 centuries.

His unusual technique and extraordinary consistency have helped him become one of the defining Test batters of the modern era.

Joe Root and Ricky Ponting make the top five

England’s Joe Root occupied fourth place. The prolific right-hander has accumulated 14,278 Test runs, with 41 centuries and 69 fifties, putting him among the most productive batters in the history of the format.

Root’s position is particularly significant because he remains active and is chasing Tendulkar’s all-time Test run record.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting completed the top five. Ponting scored 13,378 runs in 168 Tests, averaging 51.85, and registered 41 centuries.

Three Indian batters feature in the top 10

India’s representation began with Virat, who was ranked 10th. Kohli finished his Test career with 9,230 runs in 123 matches, averaging 46.85, with 30 centuries and 31 fifties. He retired from Test cricket in 2025.

One place above Kohli is another Indian legend, Rahul Dravid. Often celebrated for his technique, patience and ability to bat for long periods, Dravid amassed 13,288 runs from 164 Tests, averaging 52.31. He scored 36 centuries and 63 fifties.

Tendulkar, meanwhile, sits comfortably at the summit, giving India three representatives in the top 10.

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Kumar Sangakkara, Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers complete the list

Ex-Sri Lanka skipper Kumar Sangakkara was ranked sixth after scoring 12,400 runs at an outstanding average of 57.40, with 38 centuries.

South Africa veteran all-rounder Jacques Kallis followed Sangakkara at No. 7. Kallis scored 13,289 runs at an average of 55.37 and contributed 45 Test hundreds.

Another South African icon, AB de Villiers, grabbed the eighth place with 8,765 runs at an average of 50.66, including 22 centuries.

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