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India's 10 best Test players in the last two years
India scaled the heights in Test cricket in the last couple of years. Rajneesh Gupta lists the players whose contributions have helped M S Dhoni's team become a super power in Test cricket.
Sachin Tendulkar
There's no stopping Sachin Tendulkar yet! The 38-year-old has completed more than 20 years in international cricket, but it seems he is getting better with every passing year.
The veteran batsman was at the top of his game in the last two years, notching a whopping 2078 runs, at an average of 67.03.
His brilliant 214, the highlight of 35 innings over two years, came against Australia at Bangalore in 2010.
He is still chasing the elusive 100th international and fans will be hoping he achieves the landmark in the ongoing series against the West Indies.
Mts: 20
Inns: 35
Runs: 2078
Hs: 214
Avg: 67.03
100s: 8
50s: 8
0s: 0
Dravid is India's eternal saviour
Rahul Dravid
It is no surprise that Rahul Dravid is referred to as 'The Wall'. Just a couple of months away from turning 39, he continues to plunder runs in every condition and against every opposition. It is hard to see a youngster coming forward to challenge his place in the near future.
The former India captain has built a reputation of being the eternal saviour of the team. His contributions to the team's cause in the last two years have been tremendous, and that reflects in the following figures.
Mts: 21
Inns: 38
Runs: 1604
Hs: 191
Avg: 48.61
100s: 7
50s: 3
0s: 0
Sehwag's blasts prove crucial
Virender Sehwag
When in full flow, there is no stopping Virender Sehwag. His attacking approach at the top of the order has proved crucial in terms of giving India the initiative, while leaving the opposition demoralised.
Sehwag, who was beset with injury woes recently, may not have been effective during the tour of England, but his record over the last 24 months is certainly more than satisfactory. His five centuries, and an average of 51.52, speaks a lot about his credentials.
Mts: 18
Inns: 33
Runs: 1597
Hs: 173
Avg: 51.52
100s: 5
50s: 10
0s: 4
Laxman's very special contributions
VVS Laxman
VVS Laxman is in fairly good form of late. Batting lower down the order, the right-hander invariably comes up with match-saving, or match-winning, innings. He is rightly referred to as the 'Very Very Special' player.
In fact, his rise has coincided with that of the Indian team and he's been at the helm of a number of Test victories.
Despite batting at number five or six in the last two years, Laxman has kept the runs coming at an average of just over 50.
Mts: 20
Inns: 36
Runs: 1470
Hs: 143 (not out)
Avg: 50.69
100s: 2
50s: 13
0s: 1
Dhoni leads from the front
Mahendra Singh Dhoni
Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni may not be enjoying the best of form, but still finds a place among the top-five batsman in the last two years.
His calm and composed approach to captaincy stands out, and his record as leader speaks for itself -- 16 victories from the 32 matches he has captained the team.
Dhoni may have changed his approach in recent years, but the runs are coming, and at a good rate.
Mts: 22
Inns: 35
Runs: 1066
Hs: 132 (not out)
Avg: 33.31
100s: 1
50s: 7
0s: 4
Ishant's consistency is amazing
Ishant Sharma
Reading Ishant Sharma's name as the top Indian bowler in the last two years may have you wondering how he got here.
But just take a look at the Delhi pacer's figures and you'll be impressed. In just 20 matches, the lanky pacer picked 71 wickets at an average of 35.48. His bowling was consistent, if not amazing, and that is what could take him to the heights of success in the years to come.
Mts: 20
Wkts: 71
Best: 6-55
Avg: 35.48
SR: 59.58
RpO: 3.57
5WI: 2
10WM: 1
Harbhajan deadly at home
Harbhajan Singh
The 'Turbanator' is India's top strike bowler in home conditions.
Harbhajan may have fallen out of favour of the selectors for the series against the West Indies, but there is no doubt that he played a crucial role in many Indian victories in the last few years.
Mts: 18
Wkts: 63
Best: 7-120
Avg: 39.86
SR: 83.02
RpO: 2.88
5WI: 2
10WM: 0
Zaheer has 53 wickets in 11 Tests
Zaheer Khan
Injuries have kept Zaheer Khan in and out of the Indian team, but his consistent performance has garnered him a phenomenal 53 wickets in just 11 Tests.
This just goes to show how much of a difference his presence makes to the team.
The left-armer has improved vastly in the last few years, and is rightly considered by many as one of the best fast bowlers in the world.
Mts: 11
Wkts: 53
Best: 7-87
Avg: 22.72
SR: 42.47
RpO: 3.21
5WI: 2
10WM: 1
Ojha has delivered whenever given a chance
Pragyan Ojha
Pragyan Ojha has delivered in the limited opportunities presented to him.
Take a look at his bowling figures and you realise that he can be a threat to the opposition on his day. The arm ball -- his vital weapon of destruction -- has helped him take 40 wickets in just 10 matches. A noteworthy effort that!
Mts: 10
Wkts: 40
Best: 6-72
Avg: 38.70
SR: 82.95
RpO: 2.80
5WI: 1
10WM: 0
Sreesanth successful in seam-friendly conditions
S Sreesanth
The bad boy of Indian cricket has been in and out of the squad, but bowling with an aggressive approach has come up with the goods when it mattered.
His most memorable contribution is the five-wicket haul against South Africa earlier this year.
It is unfair that he gets selected in seamer-friendly conditions, when India tours abroad, and is chucked out without reason when the team plays matches at home.
Mts: 11
Wkts: 29
Best: 5-114
Avg: 50.28
SR: 79.94
RpO: 4.02
5WI: 1
10WM: 0