India has been lucky enough to produce some quality test cricketers in the past 25 years and it may be difficult to figure out the best playing 11 from the past 25 years. Coming to the rescue was VVS Laxman who eased the discussion and named his best Indian test XI of past 25 years.
Opener
Speaking on a show for ESPNcricinfo, Laxman picked blasting batsman Virender Sehwag as his choice of first opener. Murali Vijay, who was recently dropped from the Indian team which may mark an end to his test career was the second opener picked by former middle order batsman.
Opener: Virender Sehwag and Murali Vijay
Middle Order
Laxman then picked Rahul Dravid at number 3 with whom he stitched a famous 376 runs partnership that took the game away from Australia in Kolkata test in 2001.
“Master Blaster” Sachin Tendulkar was picked for the number 4 position.
VVS was himself a great number 5 batsman for India but he did a humble thing by opting for current skipper Virat Kohli at number 5.
Sourav Ganguly under whom VVS’ career enlightened was the captain of his side and he will bat at number 6.
Middle order: Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli and Sourav Ganguly
Mahendra Singh Dhoni will keep the wickets and will bat at number 7.
Bowlers
Anil Kumble was the lone spinner in the team.
The pace battery will be lead by Javagal Srinath, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and potentially one of the best left arm pacers that the country has ever produced Zaheer Khan.
Bowlers: Anil Kumble, Zaheer Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Zaheer Khan
VVS Laxman’s Indian test XI from last 25 years
Virender Sehwag, Murali Vijay, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Sourav Ganguly (c), MS Dhoni (wk), Anil Kumble, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Javagal Srinath, Zaheer Khan
