Cricket has witnessed several legendary batting line-ups over the years, with the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis and Brian Lara dominating the sport during their respective eras. However, the conversation around the best batters has gradually shifted towards a new generation of players who are making their mark across international cricket.
The famous Fab Four debate, which traditionally featured Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Joe Root and Kane Williamson, has also evolved with time. While these established names continue to enjoy legendary status, some of them are now veterans, and not all remain active across every format of the game.
With several young and in-form batters emerging from different cricketing nations, identifying the best players of the current generation is no easy task. Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin, however, has offered his perspective by naming five batters who have impressed him the most.
Interestingly, Ashwin did not restrict his selection to four players. Instead, he came up with a Fab Five, featuring just one Indian cricketer.
Ravichandran Ashwin reveals his current Fab 5 of batters
During a video segment shared by Sony Sports, Ashwin was asked to pick his Fab Five among the current generation of batters. The former India spinner included Shubman Gill as the sole representative from his country. Alongside the Indian batting star, Ashwin selected England’s Harry Brook, Australia’s Travis Head, West Indies’ Shai Hope and South Africa captain Temba Bavuma. Each of these five players brings a different dimension to the batting department, making Ashwin’s selection an interesting combination of styles and strengths.
Gill has established himself as one of India’s most dependable batters, with his elegant strokeplay and ability to construct big innings across formats. His growing leadership responsibilities have also added another layer to his international career. Here’s a look at Gill’s international career:
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Highest Score | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 43 | 3,043 | 43.47 | 269 | 11 | 9 |
| ODIs | 72 | 3,750 | 62.50 | 223 | 11 | 20 |
| T20Is | 36 | 869 | 28.03 | 126* | 1 | 3 |
Brook, meanwhile, has quickly developed a reputation as one of England’s most exciting batting talents. His aggressive approach and ability to put opposition bowlers under pressure make him a dangerous presence, particularly in the middle order. Here’s a look at Brook’s international career:
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Highest Score | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 41 | 3,610 | – | 317 | 10 | 20 |
| ODIs | 48 | 1,782 | – | 202 | 4 | 8 |
| T20Is | 71 | 1,702 | – | 114 | 2 | 8 |
Head has become synonymous with attacking cricket. The Australian left-hander has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to change the course of a match with his fearless stroke-making, especially in high-pressure encounters. Here’s a look at Head’s international career:
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Highest Score | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 69 | 4,808 | 42.93 | 175 | 14 | 20 |
| ODIs | 85 | 3,273 | 43.64 | 154* | 8 | 18 |
| T20Is | 53 | 1,335 | 28.40 | 91 | 0 | 6 |
Hope offers a different approach to batting. The West Indies star is known for his composure, consistency and ability to anchor an innings while keeping the scoreboard moving. Here’s a look at Hope’s international career:
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Highest Score | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 49 | 2,518 | 27.98 | 147 | 5 | 7 |
| ODIs | 158 | 6,590 | 51.48 | 170 | 21 | 32 |
| T20Is | 75 | 2,004 | 33.40 | 102* | 3 | 13 |
Completing Ashwin’s list is Bavuma, who has been an important figure in South African cricket. The Proteas captain combines technical discipline with the temperament required to deliver in challenging situations. Here’s a look at Bavuma’s international career:
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Highest Score | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 69 | 4,028 | 38.36 | 179 | 5 | 26 |
| ODIs | 57 | 2,168 | 43.36 | 144 | 6 | 8 |
| T20Is | 36 | 670 | 21.61 | 72 | 0 | 1 |
Ashwin’s selections reflect the variety of batting qualities that define modern international cricket. Rather than choosing players based solely on their reputation or popularity, his Fab Five brings together consistency, attacking intent, technical ability and leadership.
Also READ: Ajinkya Rahane picks the next ‘Fab Four’ in international cricket
Why Ashwin’s pick make sense?
Ashwin’s choices also make sense because his list represents different aspects of modern-day batting rather than focusing on one particular style. Gill and Hope bring technical soundness and consistency, Brook and Head offer explosive stroke-making, while Bavuma provides composure and reliability under pressure.
All five have made significant contributions to their respective teams and possess the ability to influence matches in different conditions. His selection therefore highlights how the current generation has several players capable of taking responsibility and delivering when their teams need them the most.
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