Test cricket is the purest form of the game. From the invention of the game, test cricket has produced many legends and greats them. From Don Bradman to Sachin Tendulkar, Ambrose to Syen people have seen some greats of the game over the years. However, under the shadow of other flamboyant greats, few went unnoticed. As the World Test Championship Final is only one month away, we present you with the list of the 10 most underrated test cricketers of all time.

All about World Test Championship Final

The World Test Championship Final is going to begin from 18th June to 22nd June 2021. The two teams to participate in the WTC Final is India and New Zealand. The top ranker of the table was New Zealand after the league round of the World Test Championship. India confirmed their place in the Final after they won the home series against England.

India squad- Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (Captain), Ajinkya Rahane (vice-captain), Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), R. Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Mohd. Shami, Md. Siraj, Shardul Thakur, Umesh Yadav, KL Rahul (subject to fitness clearance), Wriddhiman Saha (wicket-keeper; subject to fitness clearance).

New Zealand squad- Kane Williamson (c), Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Tom Blundell, Ross Taylor, BJ Watling (wk), Tom Latham, Daryll Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Colin de Grandhomme, Neil Wagner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel, Doug Bracewell, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Will Young.

Read Also: WTC Final: IND vs NZ All Players Stats, Records In England, WTC and against each other

10 most underrated test cricketers of all time

Since the beginning of cricket history, we have witnessed many cricketers who are good in their game but got overshadowed by other eminent cricketers. There is a saying that nobody remembers the second person who landed on the moon. Similarly, no one remembers those cricketers who did not show their greatest performances in most of the matches. There are so many underrated test cricketers who could have glorified more but got suppressed due to the extraordinary performances of their colleagues. Here is a list of the 10 most underrated test cricketers of all time who did not receive enough accolades that they truly deserved.

1. Younis Khan

Younis Khan, one of the most underrated test cricketers was a crucial part of the Pakistan cricket team. The two best years of his test cricket career were 2006 and 2014 where he made many well-known records. Some of his best knocks are 127 vs England (2012), 218 vs England (2016), and 267 & 84 vs India (2005). Even after his immense contribution to the team and a test average of 52, he is underrated.

Read also: WTC Final: IND Vs NZ All Players Stats, Records In England, WTC And Against Each Other

2. Chaminda Vaas

Chaminda Vaas, the former bowler of Sri Lanka, made his test in 1994 and since then he has played efficiently and became one of the best fast bowlers of Sri Lanka within a year. In the test match against West Indies in 2001-2002, he took a total of 14 wickets in the third test. In the test match he back 26 wickets against West Indies. He was also selected in the World Test XI by ICC in 2004 and 2005 for his exceptional bowling performances.

3. Irfan Pathan

Indian all-rounder former cricketer, Irfan Pathan was not acknowledged and appreciated enough for his talent, expertise, and caliber. He was a right-arm medium bowler who played 29 test matches and bagged 100 wickets.
He is also the second Indian to take three wickets in the first over of a test match against Pakistan on 29 January 2006.

4. Michael Clarke

Michael Clarke, the former skipper of Australia, had a dreamy cricket career. He played so many important knocks for his team but still got overshadowed because of the extraordinary batting lineup of Australia. Not only in batting, but he has also shown impeccable performance being the captain of the team. He played 115 test matches and schooled 8643 runs. In these test matches, he hit 27 half-centuries and 28 centuries with a batting average of 49.10.

5. Rangana Herath

Rangana Herath, the left-arm bowler of Sri-Lanka, has played exceptionally in his cricket career. Yet he did not get the recognition and accolades that he truly deserves. He is an absolute legend but has been considered as one very rarely. He played in 93 test matches where he successfully took 433 wickets which is an appreciated number. The legend has also made the record of the most number of wickets by a left-arm spinner in a test match.

6. Graeme Smith

Graeme Smith, the former South African cricketer is considered to be one of the best captains in test cricket with 53 wins. He became the captain of South Africa age of 22 only. He has made the world record of captaining the team in the most number of Test matches. Graeme played in 11 7 matches and scored 9265 runs within a batting average of 48.25. He has also scored 38 half-centuries and 27 centuries in 117 matches. He is also the record holder of the most number of catches by a non-wicketkeeper. The former captain is the fastest South African cricketer to reach 1000 runs in test cricket.

7. Ajit Agarkar

Ajit Agarkar, the former Indian bowler has been a part of 26 test matches. He is an unsung hero of the Indian team taken the Indian team out of difficulties many times. In the 26 matches, he took 58 wickets. One of the most spectacular performances by him is his 6-wicket haul in the second innings of the Adelaide Test in 2003.

8. Shivnarayan Chanderpaul

The former captain of the West Indies cricket team is considered to be one of the greatest batsmen during his time. Though he has proven his caliber by his stats and records, his teammates still overshadowed him at times. He has been a part of 164 test matches where he scored 11867 runs which is only 46 runs less than that of Brian Lara. This understated cricketer left behind legends like Gordon Greenidge, Vivian Richards, and Garfield Sobers.

9. Bj Watling

The former New Zealand international cricketer is considered to be one of the most underrated cricketers of all time despite his immense contribution to his team. He not only played for himself but also supported his teammates at tough times. The South African-born cricketer has supported players like Brendon McCullum and Kane Williamson during their triple centuries. He has played 55 test matches and scored 3773 with an average of 38.11. Walting has also scored 19 half-centuries and 8 centuries in test cricket. He is also the ninth wicketkeeper with the most number of dismissals, 257.

10. Makhaya Ntini

Makhaya Ntini, the former South African fast bowler, is one of the best bowlers of his time. One of his most remarkable performances is when he 13 wickets and gave only 132 runs against West Indies in 2005. With this match, he has created the record of the second most number of wickets by a South African cricketer in a test match. He has played 101 matches in his Test career and bagged 390 wickets which is unknown to a lot of people. Due to his exceptional bowling, he has always been a pivotal part of the team but never got the deserved recognition and appreciation.

Indian men’s cricket team is ready to host reigning World Test Championship (WTC) holders South Africa in a two-match Test series, starting at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 14. The upcoming two-match Test series is part of the ongoing World Test Championship 2025-27. Led by Shubman Gill, India will aim to bag crucial home points with eyes on the top 2 spot in order to secure qualification for the WTC 2027 final scheduled to be held at the Lord's Cricket Ground in June 2027.

India have enjoyed a solid run of form this year, playing eight matches with four wins, three losses, and one draw. One of those defeats came during a tough tour of Australia, but the team has bounced back impressively since then. They managed a 2-2 draw in England and followed it up with a 2-0 series win over the West Indies. 

The World Test Champions had a mixed start to their campaign, losing the first Test against Pakistan but responding strongly with a win in the second. This tour to India features one of the strongest South African sides in recent years.

Also Read: Most Runs in India vs South Africa Test Series

India vs South Africa | Head-to-head Record in Test

South Africa and India have a very close head-to-head record in Test cricket. Since South Africa’s readmission to international cricket in 1991, these two sides have clashed in 44 Test matches so far. South Africa hold a tiny edge with 18 wins, while India won 16 Tests, and 10 Tests between them ended in a draw.

India vs South Africa | Last Five Tests Results

Over the last five Test series between the two nations, both India and South Africa have won two series each, with one series ending in a draw. Home advantage has clearly played a key role in the outcomes.

The 2023/24 two-match Test series in South Africa ended in a draw, with each team winning one match. South Africa won the first Test by an innings and 32 runs, while India clinched the second by 7 wickets.

South Africa won two series on home soil. In 2017/18, they defeated India 2-1 in a three-match series. Again in 2021/22, the Proteas won another three-match series 2-1 at home.

India has also claimed two series at home. In 2015/16, India won a four-match series 3-0, with one match drawn. In 2019/20, India swept South Africa 3-0 in a three-match series.

Also Read: Most Wickets in India vs South Africa Test Series

Every India vs South Africa Test Series Results

India and South Africa will lock horns in a two-match Test series, starting at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Friday. The Proteas last toured India for a Test series back in 2019, when the host blanked them 3-0. 

Talking about recent form in Test cricket, India ushered in the Shubman Gill era with a 2-2 draw in England and a 2-0 sweep over the West Indies at home. Meanwhile, the Proteas levelled 1-1 in Pakistan last month to kick off the defense of the ICC World Test Championship crown. This series is vital for both sides as they look to move up in the ICC WTC standings.

So, before the start of the series, let's have a look at the bowlers with most wickets in India vs South Africa Test series.

Also Read: Most Runs in India vs South Africa Test Series

Most Wickets in India vs South Africa Test Series

5. Morne Morkel | 58 Wickets

Across 31 innings against India, Morne Morkel took 58 wickets at an average of 26.41 and a strike rate of 53.77. However, Morkel took only one five-wicket haul against India. His only five-for came in the first Test in 2010 in Centurion. Morkel, who made his Test debut against India, intimidated the Indian batters through most of his career.

4. Harbhajan Singh | 60 Wickets

Harbhajan Singh is the 4th highest wicket-taker in India vs South Africa test cricket history. With an average of 28.40, Bhajji grabbed 60 wickets in 11 matches against South Africa. In 2004, Harbhajan returned with 7 for 87 at the historic Eden Gardens stadium.

3. Javagal Srinath | 64 Wickets

Former Indian fast bowler, Javagal Srinath comes in 2nd place on the list of taking the most Test wickets for India against South Africa. Srinath played 13 matches and bagged 64 wickets. During his career, Srinath took 4 out of his 10 five-wicket hauls against the Proteas, with his best against them being 6/21 in Ahmedabad in 1996.

2. Dale Steyn | 65 Wickets

South Africa’s aggressive fast bowler Dale Steyn has taken 65 wickets in just 14 matches at a bowling average of 21.53. Dale Steyn always wreaked havoc against India and is the most successful Protea bowler against the Asian giants. Interestingly, Steyn went wicketless just four times out of the 23 innings he bowled against India. His best performance came in Nagpur in 2010, when he claimed 10 wickets for 108 runs as the visitors won the game by a huge margin of an innings and 6 runs.

Also Read: Most Wickets in Test Cricket in 2025

1. Anil Kumble | 84 Wickets

Great leg spinner Anil Kumble tops the list with 84 wickets in 40 innings of 21 Test matches. Kumble took five wickets in an innings thrice in these matches. With 3 five-wicket hauls, Kumble's brilliant performance came in 1992 in Johannesburg, 6/53. Kumble was a part of the Indian team, that won the first-ever test match in South Africa in 2006.

India and South Africa will lock horns in a two-match Test series, starting at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Friday. The Proteas last toured India for a Test series back in 2019, when the host blanked them 3-0. 

Talking about recent form in Test cricket, India ushered in the Shubman Gill era with a 2-2 draw in England and a 2-0 sweep over the West Indies at home. Meanwhile, the Proteas levelled 1-1 in Pakistan last month to kick off the defense of the ICC World Test Championship crown. This series is vital for both sides as they look to move up in the ICC WTC standings.

So, before the start of the series, let's have a look at the batters with most runs in India vs South Africa Test series.

Also Read: Most Test Centuries in Cricket History

Most Runs in India vs South Africa Test Series

5. AB de Villiers | 1334 Runs

Former South African captain and 'Mr. 360 Degree' of cricket, AB de Villiers, completes this top-5 list. AB de scored 1,334 runs in 20 Test matches at an average of 39.23 against India, including 3 centuries and 6 half-centuries. 

His best score was an unbeaten 217 runs, which he played in Ahmedabad in 2008. This remains one of the finest innings played on Indian soil by a visiting batsman. This was also his first double century in Test cricket. This innings was played at a time when India was a strong team at home and facing legendary spinners like Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble. Amla and de Villiers combined to put the Indian bowlers on the back foot, helping South Africa to an innings victory by scoring 494 runs in the first innings.

4. Virat Kohli | 1408 Runs

Virat Kohli has been one of India’s most consistent performers against South Africa in Test cricket, scoring 1,408 runs in 28 innings at an impressive average of 54.15, including 3 centuries and 5 fifties.

Kohli’s highest score of 254* against the proteas came in Pune (2019). He played this innings while captaining the Indian Test team. He completely demolished the opposition, leading India to over 600 runs and win the match by an innings. Kohli is the only Indian captain to have won a Test series 3-0 against South Africa. This happened in 2019 when India hosted South Africa. He's also the only Indian captain to have beaten South Africa in a Test series twice. Sachin Tendulkar did it first, followed by Sourav Ganguly in 2004.

3. Hashim Amla | 1528 Runs

Elegant and composed Hashim Amla is in third place when it comes to most runs in Tests between India and South Africa. He made 1528 runs at an average of 43.65 in 21 tests, including five centuries and seven fifties.

He had made his South Africa debut in 2004 against India in Kolkata and went on to score big against India both at home and in India, on pitches that helped spinners. His highest score of 253* came in South Africa’s huge innings and six runs in Nagpur in 2010. His knock included 22 fours and, along with Jacques Kallis’ 173, he helped South Africa post 558/6d. India managed 233 and 319 runs in response.

2. Jacques Kallis | 1734 Runs

Legendary South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis comes in at the second spot in this list. Kallis amassed 1734 runs at an average of 69.36 in 18 Tests, including seven centuries and five fifties.

Kallis’ highest score with the bat against India was 201*, which came in the first Test at Centurion in the 2010 series. India had made 136 runs in the first innings. South Africa made 620/4d with centuries by Kallis, Hashim Amla (140), and AB de Villiers (129*). Kallis starred with 201* with 15 fours and five sixes. He also took two wickets across two India innings and was Player of the Match as the Proteas won by an innings and 25 runs. 

Also Read: Most Wickets in Test Cricket in 2025

1. Sachin Tendulkar | 1741 Runs

The record for most runs in India vs South Africa Test series is held by India's batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar. The legendary batter has 1741 runs in 45 innings at an average of 42.26 in 25 Tests, including seven centuries and five fifties.

Tendulkar’s brilliant 169 came in the second Test in Cape Town in the 1996 series. South Africa had made 529/7d, and in return, India was 58/5 when Tendulkar, the captain, got together with Mohammad Azharuddin to launch a scathing counterattack in a 222-run partnership. Tendulkar made 169 in 254 balls with 26 fours to his name. His knock was ended by a brilliant catch by Adam Bacher as India went on to lose by 282 runs.

The T20 World Cup 2026 will be hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Defending champion India is the primary host country for the tournament. Team India, led by Rohit Sharma, had performed brilliantly in the last T20 World Cup played in 2024 under the hosting of USA and West Indies and won the title by defeating South Africa in the final. Suryakumar Yadav is now the T20I captain of Team India. He will aim to lead India to the T20 World Cup 2026. However, the schedule for the number of T20 matches Team India will play before the World Cup has been revealed.

While the full schedule of the T20 Men's World Cup 2026 is yet to be out, it is expected to begin in the first week of February with the final slated to be held in the first week of March. India have a total of ten T20I scheduled till the World Cup.

Also Read: Who scored the fastest century in T20 World Cups?

Indian cricket team's schedule till T20 World Cup 2026

India set to host South Africa

Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the Indian team will host South Africa for an all-format tour that has two Tests, three ODIs and five T20Is. Here is the schedule of the entire tour.

Sourav Ganguly has confirmed that tickets for the first Test between India and South Africa at Eden Gardens on November 14 have been sold out! 🇮🇳🇿🇦🎟️✅#INDvSA #Tests #Kolkata #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/rIlwyWnOTJ

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) November 10, 2025

• 1st Test: November 14-18 - Kolkata
• 2nd Test: November 22-26 - Guwahati
• 1st ODI: November 30 - Ranchi
• 2nd ODI: December 3 - Raipur
• 3rd ODI: December 6 - Vizag
• 1st T20I: December 9: Cuttack
• 2nd T20I: December 11: New Chandigarh
• 3rd T20I: December 14: Dharamsala
• 4th T20I: December 17: Lucknow
• 5th T20I: December 19: Ahmedabad

Also Read: Best bowling spells in T20 World Cups

Limited-overs tour against New Zealand

Following the series against South Africa, the Indian team will play three ODIs and five T20Is against New Zealand on home soil.

• 1st ODI: January 11 - Vadodara
• 2nd ODI: January 14 - Rajkot
• 3rd ODI: January 18 - Indore
• 1st T20I: January 21 - Nagpur
• 2nd T20I: January 23 - Raipur
• 3rd T20I: January 25 - Guwahati
• 4th T20I: January 28 - Vizag
• 5th T20I: January 31 - Thiruvananthapuram

With 10 T20Is at home before the T20 World Cup 2026, India’s focus will be on fine-tuning combinations, testing young players, and ensuring the team is ready to defend its crown on home soil.

Indian Test skipper Shubman Gill stands as the only Indian with over 1,000 international runs in 2025 so far. Infact, since 2023, when he settled himself in the Indian team as a regular member, Gill has been world's leading run-getter across all formats. Since 2023, he has also had the most international tons.

As we near the end of the year, let's have a look at the batters with most international runs for India in 2025.

Also Read: Bowlers to take 100 wickets in every format

Most International Runs for India in 2025

5. Yashasvi Jaiswal | 677 Runs

Yashasvi Jaiswal is a very young, talented cricketer that India has and we know him as an aggressive cricketer and he adjusts very well to different formats. Test cricket has been the format where Jaiswal has truly shined. 

Jaiswal has scored 677 runs in 2025 in just 16 innings at an average of 42.31 and a strike rate of 67.70. He also has three centuries and two half-centuries to his name. His highest score of 175 came during the second Test against the West Indies in New Delhi. After pacing a commanding knock of 173* on Day 1, he added just two more runs before a confusing mix-up with captain Shubman Gill resulted in a run-out early on Day 2.

4. Ravindra Jadeja | 709 Runs

Ravindra Jadeja has had an exceptional year with the bat in 2025, scoring 709 runs in just 18 innings and proving his worth as one of India’s most valuable all-rounders. He has two centuries and five half-centuries to his name at an average of 78.77 and a strike rate of 54.66.

Jadeja also has the fourth-most runs in Tests in 2025. Playing his eighth Test in 2025, Jadeja has raced to 659 runs at a stellar average of 82.37 across 13 innings. This includes two tons and five fifties.

3. Abhishek Sharma | 756 Runs

India’s in-form T20I opener Abhishek Sharma has almost developed a trademark move, charging down the track on the very first ball he faces. The top-ranked T20I batter has been in exceptional touch in 2025, smashing 756 runs in 17 innings at an average of 47.25 and a strike rate of 196.36. 

Abhishek was named Player of the Series in India’s 2–1 T20I series win over Australia, where he scored 163 runs in five innings at an average of 40.75 and a strike rate of 161.39. He had also been adjudged as the Player of the Tournament in Asia Cup and had scored a total of 314 runs in seven innings.

2. KL Rahul | 986 Runs

As India’s second-highest run scorer in 2025, KL Rahul has had an incredible year, scoring 986 runs from 24 innings at an average of 49.30 across all formats. Rahul also has three centuries and half-centuries to his name this year. His most recent appearance came during India’s just finished three-match ODI series against Australia, in which he amassed 49 runs in two innings as the Men in Blue lost the series 1-2.

KL Rahul is anticipated to be included in India’s team for the forthcoming two-match home Test series against South Africa.

Also Read: Most Wickets in Test Cricket in 2025

1. Shubman Gill | 1728 Runs

Shubman Gill, India's Test captain and newly-appointed ODI captain, is on a purple patch since the Test tour of England. The Punjab batter racked up four centuries in that series and has had an exceptional year overall so far.

Gill has scored the most international runs for India in 2025 so far with 1728 runs from 38 innings. The 26-year-old has seven centuries and three fifties, averaging an impressive 52.36 with the bat.