U r the best, of them all. Review on Ten Best One Day Batsmen

Though I prefer tests to ODI, I still am enough mad about the game to give my opinion on the top 10 ODI batsmen of today. The ranking is entirely according to my discretion, taking into account the talent, consistency, record and most importantly - ''watchability'' of the players.

I have left out honorable mentions who have just retired like Andy Flower etc.

So here goes my list in reverse order

10 Yousuf Youhana

The Mr. Consistent for Pak. He's real good in holding the middle order together. He has good technique & a nice high bat backlift. What's more he can improvise in the slog overs & play big cross-batted shots. He could have been higher up the ranking but for his sometimes disinterested batsmanship.

My fav. shot of Youhana - His high backlift straight drive past the bowler.

9 Ramnaresh Sarwan

Sarwan at 9 should be a surprise to many. But I think this guy's got the touch. He has all the prerequisites to be a great batsman and recently he has been living up to his talent. Despite being of a slight built, he can hit big sixes and turn a game around. I think he will soon come out of Lara's shadow & become one of the best batsmen of the next decade. Watch out for Sarwan!!!

Fav. shot - No standout shot, though he's good at playing all the shots in the book.

8 Virender Sehwag

Sehwag is one of the most explosive openers in the world today. Given a flat track & good playing conditions, there is no stopping Sehwag go on a rampage. The guy can hit the most amazing of shots and tear apart the best bowling attack on his day. His main flaw is his lack of footwork, which brings him in trouble on bowler friendly pitches.

Fav. shot - 6 over third man (how does he hit that????)

7 Sanath Jayasuriya

Like Sehwag, Jayasuriya can be the most explosive of openers. He holds the records in ODI for the fastest 50, 2nd fastest 100 and so on. Over the years he has mellowed down, but still strikes fear in the heart of the opposition bowlers. Sanath, 5 years ago would have been among the top 3, but the man with forearms of steel, still features a respectable 7th.

Fav. shot - short arm jab over midwicket which goes all the way. (just shows the power of the man)

6 Adam Gilchrist

Aussie rules. The 3rd consecutive explosive opener in the list, Gilly is built for the kill. He has an amazing eye which enables him to get in position early and then whoosh!!! The ball bullets away to the fence. His high bat-grip enables him to get big power in his shots. Another great thing about him is his attitude. Always aggressive, he never takes a backward step.

Fav. shot - Slashing square cut of a good length ball.

5 Jacques Kallis

Kallis' the rock that holds together the SA batting. Going by the figures he is the most consistent batsman of the last 3 to 4 years. Whether batting first or chasing, he's the one whom the SA batting always looks upon to deliver the goods. He has every shot in the book and plays them too. His only shortcoming is that sometimes he is a bit too slow.

Fav. shot - The Kallis 'k'overdrive.

4 Brian Lara

Arguably the most talented batsman in the world, this brilliant southpaw never ceases to amaze. On his day nothing is impossible to him. And he is a treat to watch, never boring. Though he is past his heyday he still remains a force worth reckoning.

Fav. shot - Every shot he plays

3 Herschelle Gibbs

Believe me, this SA opener is GIFTED. He can time the ball so well that all his shots seem to be effortless. Just caress the ball and watch it fly towards the boundary. Aggressive & totally destructive, he is what every captain needs at the top of the order. He doesn't have great footwork yet the balance with which he plays his shots is awesome.

Fav. shot - Backfoot square/cover punch/drive

2 Ricky Ponting

Aussie ODI captain, Ponting is another talented bloke who delivers the goods when needed. He has a great eye, good footwork and is a great timer. Again he is aggressive, and has a hunger for big scores. He can play according to the match situation and guide his team to victory whenever most needed.

Fav. shot - Pull

1 Sachin Tendulkar

'Cricket Is My Religion, Sachin Is My God'. This bloke has everything needed to be the best. He is arguably among the top 3 batsmen of all time. He holds all the major records, and as he's still 30 he will break a lot more in years to come. What's more, his commitment and drive to excel make him an indestructible force, which the top bowlers all over the world fear.

Fav. shot - Straight drive

Sorry I don't have Bevan on my list coz he's not that great to watch. Ganguly also doesn't feature coz I think he plays too much for himself, and his record against top teams is not good enough.