Sportskeeda's Top 50 Indian Test cricketers of all-time (40-31)

#37 Vinod Kambli

Vinod Kambli's average of 54.20 is the highest among all Indian batsmen with at least 1000 runs

It is a travesty that Vinod Kambli played only 17 Tests despite possessing a stellar track record. After rising up the echelons alongside childhood friend Sachin Tendulkar, the mercurial left-hander had a sensational start to his career. His first seven matches fetched him as many as four centuries, including two double tons. Unlike the vast majority of present-day batsmen, he was absolutely lethal against the turning ball.

At the peak of his powers, Kambli demonstrated his capacity to dominate spin by launching a brutal assault on the highly rated Shane Warne. Unfortunately, the southpaw did not realise his immeasurable potential and went on a free-fall. He began to command headlines for his lavish lifestyle off the field instead of putting in the hard yards on it.

A recurring technical issue against pace added to his woes. While the selectors were willing to provide him with several opportunities in ODIs, their patience pertaining to his red-ball game eventually ran out and the stroke-maker's Test career met a premature end.

Career Span: 1993-1995

Statistics: 1084 runs from 17 matches at an average of 54.20 with 4 centuries and 3 fifties