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

#34 Navjot Singh Sidhu

Navjot Singh Sidhu could seamlessly shift between defence and attack

Navjot Singh Sidhu's batting was as hard to fathom as his extremely convoluted articulation. Initially written off as a 'stroke-less wonder' by a popular cricket journalist, the right-hander responded to stinging criticism by revamping his game and became a ruthless six-hitter against spinners. Even as he earned a new sobriquet called 'Sixer Sidhu', the same critic paid tribute to his transformation by terming him the 'palm-grove hitter'.

Extra Cover: Navjot Singh Sidhu's journey to the pinnacle

Despite a 16-year career at the highest level, Sidhu played only 51 Tests due to a multitude of reasons. Underneath the tough and rugged exterior, he was an enigmatic character. During 1996, he once walked out of an England tour in an abrupt manner following a case of miscommunication with skipper Mohammad Azharuddin. However, as an opening batsman, he had the technique to withstand incisive new-ball spells as well as the tenacity to build on his starts.

Career Span: 1983-1999

Statistics: 3202 runs from 51 matches at an average of 42.13 with 9 centuries and 15 fifties