Top 5 tallest Indian cricketers of all time

Success in international sports demands skill. But physical attributes, like height, significantly impact a player’s performance. This article focuses on the five tallest Indian cricketers in history, highlighting the crucial role height plays not only in basketball and volleyball but also in cricket.

Bowlers, in particular, benefit from height, gaining advantages such as extracting bounce from flat pitches and creating differences in ball release. In addition to it, batters also leverage their height, using a long front foot to time the ball effectively. Height aids fielders as well, contributing to an all-encompassing impact on various aspects of the game.

This analysis underscores the multifaceted influence of physical attributes in cricket’s competitive landscape. Similarly, Indian cricketing history has also witnessed some of these designated athletes in their rich cricketing culture.

Let us look top 5 tallest cricketers who have played for India;

1. Ishant Sharma

Ishant Sharma is a prominent India cricketer standing at 6 feet 5 inches, utilizing his impressive height to excel in his fast-bowling career. Ishant’s long strides and high arm action generate significant bounce, making him a formidable force on pitches favoring fast bowlers.

The veteran India pacer has effectively employed his height and bounce against top batters like Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis, and Alastair Cook, showcasing the strategic advantage his stature provides in the cricketing arena. In the 105 Test matches which the speedster has played, he has managed to pick up 311 wickets.

2. Munaf Patel

Munaf Patel was a successful right-arm medium-fast bowler for India, standing at 6 feet 3 inches. Making his international debut in 2006, Patel played a crucial role in India’s 2011 World Cup victory. Known for accuracy, swing, and variations, he posed challenges for top batters.

Despite a career marked by injuries, particularly a recurring knee problem leading to his retirement in 2018, Patel’s significant contributions to Indian cricket remain memorable. The 40-year-old speedster has certainly not lived up to the expectation that one would have expected from him. In the 70 ODIs which the former India pacer played for India, he did manage to pick up 86 wickets at an economy of 4.95.

3. Ravi Shastri

Ravi Shastri was a versatile cricketer, who served Indian cricket for over a decade as an opening or middle-order batter and a left-arm spinner. Shashtri stood 6 ft 2 inches making him a brilliant high arm spin bowler. Despite a glamorous image, his playing style was stodgy, marked by defensive strokes. Criticized for batting too slowly, he proved his worth with consistent performances, notably averaging 77.75 against Australia.

The 61-year-old showcased utility as a white-ball player in India’s World Championship of Cricket win in 1985. A deep thinker and strategist, he captained India to victory in the one Test he led. After a playing career of 80 Tests, Shastri became a combative commentator and later served as India’s team director and coach.

4. Javagal Srinath

Javagal Srinath is a legendary Indian fast bowler who played for India from 1991 to 2003. Standing at 6 ft 2 inches, he was renowned for his pace and ability to swing the ball both ways. Among the few Indian pacers consistently exceeding 140 km/h, he instilled fear in batters worldwide.

The 54-year-old impactful career featured memorable performances in both Test and limited-overs cricket. Srinath played a pivotal role in India’s journey to the 2003 World Cup final, marking a significant contribution to the team’s success.

5. Arshdeep Singh

Arshdeep Singh is a rising Indian cricket star at 6 feet 3 inches. He showcased fast-medium bowling prowess since his 2022 debut. Notable in the 2022 T20 World Cup, he emerged as a potent threat with swing and pace, playing a crucial role in team victories.

Despite his youth and limited international experience, Arshdeep has quickly established himself as a valuable asset for the Indian cricket team, promising a bright future in the sport.