Ashwin’s All-Time India Test XI Snubs Gavaskar for Kohli

Ravichandran Ashwin, known for his sharp cricketing insights, has stirred fresh debate by naming his top three Indian Test batters of all time. In a recent appearance on a cricket platform, Ashwin was asked where Virat Kohli stands among India’s finest. He unhesitatingly placed Kohli in the top three, before revealing his complete list.

Ashwin’s trio features Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Virat Kohli, in that order. The omission of Sunil Gavaskar, a pioneer who was the first to cross 10,000 Test runs, has raised eyebrows. Gavaskar’s career numbers—10,122 runs at 51.12 with 34 centuries—make his absence from the top three a tough call for many fans.

The former off-spinner, who retired from international cricket last year, continues to share strong opinions through his YouTube channel and broadcast roles. While Tendulkar and Dravid were expected picks, Kohli’s inclusion over Gavaskar has sparked spirited discussions online. Ashwin’s ranking reflects his admiration for Kohli’s aggressive era, but it has reopened the age-old debate about comparing across generations.