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 bowlers, especially pacers, have always waited for the tour of England since it produces seam-friendly pitches, which help them get more wickets. From legends of yesteryears like Kapil to modern-day greats like Ishant Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah, they have had success in England against England. 

With another England tour forthcoming, we present you the list of bowlers with the most wickets vs England in England for India in tests. 

1. Ishant Sharma | 48 Wickets

Ishant Sharma has the most wickets vs England in England for India in tests. He is widely known for his pace and wicket-taking abilities. He took 48 wickets in 14 matches, with an economy of 3.29.

Ishant's ability to make the ball come in from a difficult length has worked well on English conditions. Moreover, his short-ball strategy during the 2014 series at Lord's helped India register a famous win in England.

Read Also: Most international wickets for India

Sharma's stats vs England in England

2. Kapil Dev | 43 Wickets

The Indian legend, Kapil Dev, is the second-highest wicket-taker in the list with 43 wickets in 13 matches played. The former Indian captain has an exceptional record against England and dominated on their home soil throughout his career.

Kapil's incredible outswing always had the batters guessing and with his ability to clean up tails, also helped him get many wickets in those conditions.

Dev stats vs England in England

3. Jasprit Bumrah | 37 Wickets

One of the most successful bowlers of this era, Jasprit Bumrah, climbed up the ladder really fast in his career. His finest skillset and ability to generate steep bounce and challenging seam movement with his unorthodox bowling action, got him 37 wickets in just 8 matches (15 innings) so far, and there's more to come in the future.

Read Also: Jasprit Bumrah becomes first-ever player to pick 200 Test wickets with an average below 20

Bumrah stats vs England in England

4. Anil Kumble | 36 Wickets 

Anil Kumble holds the fourth place for most wickets vs England in England for India in tests. He took 36 wickets in 10 matches, which is commendable for a spinner in such conditions.

Kumble was the senior-most bowler of the squad during that time, and was often described as bowling "faster" for a spinner, that too with high accuracy. His spin deliveries was considered to be as fast as a "jumbo jet."

Kumble's stats vs England in England

5. Bishan Singh Bedi | 35 Wickets

Bishan Singh Bedi is the one name that stands out while discussing the wicket-taking rate against England. Bedi's incredible stat as a spinner in pace bowling friendly conditions like England sets him apart from the rest.

He took 35 wickets in 12 matches (18 innings), with an economy less than 3. Bedi also has the highest number of maidens among all the players in this list.

Singh Bedi stats vs England in England

6. Mohammed Shami | 34 Wickets

Mohammad Shami has a brilliant overseas record, and only a few Indian bowlers can be at the level with him. He has 34 wickets in 12 matches to his name, with an economy of 3.56.

Shami consistently hits challenging lengths, which makes him a wicket-taker against England batters. His unfortunate absence in the upcoming Test squad against England therefore became a point of concern for the fans.

Shami's status vs England in England

7. B. S. Chandrasekhar | 31 Wickets

The wizard of leg spin, B.S. Chandrashekhar, makes his way up here with 31 wickets in 9 matches against England on their home soil. He had a phenomenal bowling figure in a match with 8 wickets (conceding 114 runs).

His most cherished performance against England came in the 1971 Oval Test, where he took 6 wickets for 38 runs, leading India to secure their first series victory on the English soil.

Read Also: Weird Styles: Indian players with unusual bowling actions

Chandrashekhar stats vs England in England

8. Zaheer Khan | 31 Wickets

One of India's most celebrated pace bowlers, Zaheer Khan, holds the eighth position with 31 wickets in only 8 away matches vs England. The former left-arm pacer was one of the best for India during his era. 

Zaheer had made legends like Alastair Cook his bunny with his lethal outswingers, going away from Cook. He was the best of his time, who significantly enhanced India's bowling strength.

Khan's stats vs England in England 

9. Ravindra Jadeja | 22 Wickets

Ravindra Jadeja, who is one of India's key all-rounders, holds the ninth position with 22 wickets in 10 matches. He is equally good with the bat as he is with spinning the ball for his nation.

Jadeja's ability to bowl long spells with variations, makes him a vital asset for the Indian team.

Read Also: Most Wickets for India in Test Cricket | Ravindra Jadeja overtakes Ishant Sharma’s tally

Jadeja stats vs England in England 

10. Vinoo Mankad | 20 Wickets

Vinoo Mankad stands out from an early era. The former all-rounder truly made his mark on England soil by taking 20 wickets in just 6 matches. 

With his tight bowling and impeccable lengths, Mankad made the most out of the English conditions and proved why he was considered one of the best of his generation.

Mankad stats vs England in England 

11. Srinivasaraghavan Venkataraghavan | 20 Wickets 

The eleventh name on the list, Srinivasaraghavan Venkataraghavan, who also had success in the English conditions, took 20 wickets in 10 matches.

He was a valuable off-spinner for the team, known for his accuracy and control over the ball.

Venkataraghavan's status vs England in England 

For any touring cricket team, England presents an unique challenge in Test cricket. It's a land where even most skilled players can struggle.

Far away from home, Indian cricketers have sincerely accepted this challenge and given a tough fight for many years. Discover which batting legends have mastered the game and scored the most runs vs England in England for India in tests.

1. Sachin Tendulkar | 1575 Runs

The 'Master Blaster' Sachin Tendulkar holds the unmatched record for most runs vs England in England for India in tests. He scored 1575 runs in 17 matches (30 innings) with an average above 54.

Tendulkar dominated the English soil with 4 hundreds and 8 fifties in his test career.

Read Also: Sachin vs Kohli: Stats Comparison in Test Cricket

Tendulkar stats vs England in England

2. Rahul Dravid | 1376 Runs

Rahul Dravid is another big name when it comes to legendary test batsmen from India. He holds impressive record against England which is hard to match in the long run for young Indian batters of the coming age.

Dravid scored 1376 runs in 13 matches, with his highest being a phenomenal 217 runs during India tour of England in 2002.

Dravid stats vs England in England

3. Sunil Gavaskar | 1152 Runs

Sunil Gavaskar is the third Indian batter to cross the 1000-run mark against England in England. The 'Little Master' scored 1152 runs in 16 matches during his Test career.

He scored 221 runs in 1979, which is the highest score ever by an Indian batsman against England in their own soil.

Gavaskar stats vs England in England

4. Virat Kohli | 976 Runs

Here comes the most successful Test captain of India, Virat Kohli, securing the fourth position in this list. He surpassed many legendary test batters with his brilliant record against England in their home soil.

Kohli scored 976 runs in 15 matches, with 2 centuries and 5 fifties to his name. The numbers could soar higher if he had not retired from tests at the age of 36, in 2025.

Read Also: The Kohli Effect: Will Indian fans lose interest in Test cricket after Virat Kohli's retirement?

Kohli stats vs England in England

5. Dilip Vengsarkar | 960 Runs

Dilip Vengsarkar is a gem of a player in the history of Indian Test cricket. He scored 960 runs in 13 matches (23 innings), with 157 being his highest score.

Vengsarkar scored 4 hundreds and 4 fifties during his tenure.

Vengsarkar stats vs England in England

6. Sourav Ganguly | 915 Runs

Another successful captain in the history of Indian Test cricket, Sourav Ganguly, makes his way to the sixth rank in the list. He started his career with an iconic ton against England in 1996.

Ganguly scored a total of 915 runs in 9 matches (15 innings) vs England in England with an average above 65.

Read Also: Most successful Test captains from India

Ganguly stats vs England in England 

7. Gundappa Viswanath | 858 Runs

Gundappa Viswanath played a major role for India in Tests back in the 1970s. He scored 858 runs in 13 matches against England in England, with an average of 39.

Viswanath stats vs England in England 

8. Cheteshwar Pujara | 806 Runs

Cheteshwar Pujara's journey as a test batsman in the English soil was short-lived but great. He scored 806 runs in 14 matches, having one century and 5 fifties to his name.

Pujara stats vs England in England 

9. MS Dhoni | 778 Runs

Apart from excellent captaincy records, MS Dhoni also holds the ninth position for most runs vs England in England for India in tests. He scored 778 runs in 12 matches (23 innings).

Read Also: 16 Indian Cricketers with stands named after them at a stadium

Dhoni stats vs England in England

10. Ajinkya Rahane | 665 Runs

Ajinkya Rahane is the tenth name in the elite list for most runs vs England in England for India in tests. He scored 665 runs in 14 matches, with a classy century and 5 half centuries to his name.

Rahane stats vs England in England 

Shubman Gill has been appointed as the new Test captain of the Indian Men's Test Cricket team for the five-Test series starting in England from June 20. Wicketkeeper batsman Rishabh Pant has been appointed as the vice-captain of the team.

Also Read: LIVE: Indian Test team announcement for England tour LIVE updates | Subhman Gill named captain; Nair, Sudharsan, Easwaran, Shardul in test squad

Gill will replace Rohit Sharma, who retired from the format in May due to poor form last season, especially in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.

Gill's Test career

Gill has played 32 Tests for India so far. He made his Test debut in the MCG Test on India's 2020-21 Australia tour. He has so far scored 1893 runs at an average of 35.05. There is a big difference between his average at home (42.03) and outside (27.53). The upcoming series will be Gill's first full tour.

He has also played two WTC Finals there in 2021 and 2023, and also played the fifth Test on the 2021 tour after it was postponed due to COVID-19.

India will start WTC 2025-27 cycle with five-Test series

India will start the 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle with a five-Test series against England. They are scheduled to play the first Test at Headingley (from June 20), the second Test at Edgbaston (from July 2), the third Test at Lord's (from July 10), the fourth Test at Old Trafford (from July 23) and the final Test at The Oval (from July 31).

Every Captain of Indian Men's Test Cricket Team

Since their first Test in 1932, India have witnessed 36 Test captains across 589 matches. CK Nayudu led India in their maiden Test match in 1932 against England. However, it was only 20 years later that India tasted their first Test victory under the captaincy of Vijay Hazare against England on February 10, 1952 at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Only five Indian captains – Mohammed Azharuddin, Sourav Ganguly, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma – have managed to notch up at least 10 Test victories. Kohli remains as India’s most successful Test captain, winning 40 of the 68 Tests he led in with a 58.82 success rate. Leading in 60 games between 2008-14, Dhoni is the second-most successful Test skipper for the country, winning 27 matches.

Some legendary Indian cricketers left their impact beyond the scorecards and records, which earned them an everlasting tribute. Their legacies live on the stadiums where they created their cricketing magic.

Curious to know the ones who had their contributions honored with their names on a stadium stand or pavilion? Scroll down to discover the 16 Indian Cricketers with stands named after them at a stadium.

1. Sachin Tendulkar

The God of Cricket, Sachin Tendulkar, has 2 stands named after him. He was also honoured with a gate named after him at the Sydney Cricket Ground, unveiled on his 50th birthday.

• Sachin Tendulkar Pavilion: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
• Sachin Tendulkar Stand: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE 

2. Virat Kohli 

Virat Kohli was honored for his outstanding achievements and contributions to Indian cricket with a pavilion named after him in his home city, Delhi.

• Virat Kohli Pavilion: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi 

Read Also: Top 5 Records of Virat Kohli that might never be broken

3. MS Dhoni

Honoring the hometown hero, MS Dhoni Pavilion was named as a tribute to his legendary captaincy and achievements.

• MS Dhoni Pavilion: JSCA International Stadium, Ranchi

4. Rohit Sharma 

Acknowledging Rohit Sharma's elegant batting and leadership for India, the stand named after him at the Wankhede is a recent addition, inaugurated in 2025.

• Rohit Sharma Stand: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai 

5. Sourav Ganguly 

Sourav Ganguly stand, unveiled in 2017, is a tribute to dada, not only for his influential captaincy, but also for his contributions as the former president of CAB and BCCI.

• Sourav Ganguly Stand: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Read Also: Most successful Test captains from India

6. Sunil Gavaskar 

The pavilion named after Sunil Gavaskar stands as a lasting tribute for the cricketing legend.

• Sunil Gavaskar Pavilion: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

7. Yuvraj Singh 

The world cup hero and local boy of Punjab, Yuvraj Singh, was honored with a joint ceremony where two stands were named after him and his teammate, Harbhajan Singh.

• Yuvraj Singh Stand: PCA I.S. Bindra Stadium, Punjab

8. Harbhajan Singh 

The legendary spin master and Punjab's homeboy, Harbhajan Singh, received this everlasting tribute when a stand was named after him in 2022.

• Harbhajan Singh Stand: PCA I.S. Bindra Stadium, Punjab

Read Also: 'MS Dhoni cried that night,' Harbhajan Singh shared the CSK captain's rare emotional moment

9. VVS Laxman 

Known for his elegant batting style, VVS Laxman was given the tribute with a pavilion named after him at his hometown (Hyderabad).

• VVS Laxman Pavilion: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad 

10. Mohammad Azharuddin 

The former captain of Indian team, Mohammad Azharuddin, was honored with a stand at his beloved ground in his homecity, Hyderabad.

• Mohammad Azharuddin Stand: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad 

11. Jhulan Goswami

In 2023, Eden Gardens celebrated and honored the legendary pride of Bengal, Jhulan Goswami. Her name stands as the only woman on this list to achieve this milestone.

• Jhulan Goswami Stand: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Read Also: From Chakdah to Lords: Adios, Jhulan Goswami

12. Gautam Gambhir

From crucial role in World Cup victories for India, to his role as the head coach, Gautam Gambhir truly deserves the stand named after him in his home ground.

• Gautam Gambhir Stand: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi

13. Dilip Vengsarkar 

Wankhede holds the name of many spectacular players and Dilip Vengsarkar is one of them. It celebrates he golden moments in cricket.

• Dilip Vengsarkar Stand: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

14. Vijay Merchant 

Yet another elegant player to have a stand named after them at the Wankhede. Vijay Merchant's quality contributions are highly appreciated.

• Vijay Merchant Stand: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai 

15. Ajit Wadekar

The former Indian captain and influential figure, Ajit Wadekar, holds a prestigious stand named after him, alongside Sharad Pawar.

• Ajit Wadekar Stand: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai 

16. Virender Sehwag

While we discuss stands or pavilions, it is worth noting that the gate no. 2 at Arun Jaitley Stadium was named after the legendary cricketer, Virender Sehwag, as a tribute.

• Virended Sehwag GATE: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi 

RCB fans in Bengaluru to wear white for Virat Kohli Test tribute? Yes! Fans are planning a special "wear white" initiative and asking the crowd to show up in whites for the upcoming RCB vs KKR match at Chinnaswamy Stadium on May 17, 2025.

As the IPL is set to resume tomorrow, and we will witness Virat Kohli play his first match after his announcement of test retirement, fans are organising a heartfelt tribute for the King!

The viral spread of white wave

A fan-driven moment is going viral recently where they call the crowd to wear white for a collective tribute to Virat Kohli after his test retirement.

Whether you have a test jersey or not, all they ask for is wearing anything white instead of the jerseys of IPL franchises.

Discussions on Reddit

The white tribute takes shape on reddit as fans try to reach out as much as possible.

Fans pledge to wear white in Instagram comments

Fans leave heartfelt messages on comments section of official Royal Challengers Bengaluru Instagram page.

Hashtags like #WearWhiteForVirat, #KohliTestTribute, and #KohliTestFarewell are the ones people are using to make this a trend before the upcoming IPL 2025 match.

Content Creators spreading the word

Many content creators have joined hands to support this initiative and they are getting huge responses.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cricket Machas (@cricketmachas)

Harsha Bhogle reacts on Twitter 

Hey @RCBTweets fans, are you planning to turn up in white for the game on the 17th? Remember seeing a post suggesting that. It will be incredible and a sight for the ages if true and if you can pull it off.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 15, 2025

The comments section in response to the initiative is getting flooded with comments like "Count me in," and "Wearing white with pride!" 

Many are tagging their acquaintance with messages like "@[friends username] Let's do it!"

Will you show up on May 17 at Chinnaswamy Stadium in whites too?