Trueman said Hutton was the best batsman he saw. Cowdrey said he was the most complete technically. Compton wrote in 1990 that Hutton was the greatest opening batsman of his experience. Illingworth said he was a class above all others of his time.Sobers rates Gavaskar as the greatest batsman he has seen. I dont think anyone rated Hutton that high.
All were English of course but only Cowdrey and Illingworth had warm personal relations with Hutton. Compton had previously criticised him for batting too defensively while Trueman blamed him for his own exclusion from the England team.
Hutton was one of Gavaskar's biggest fans, seeing similarities between their methods. Alec Bedser, experienced selector and shrewd judge of a player despite a reputation for living in the past, rated Merchant above Gavaskar, especially on wet English pitches. Hutton, who also saw both of them, disagreed. One of Gavaskar's best innings has been largely forgotten: 101 run out at Old Trafford in 1974 on a damp pitch that was seaming all over the place.
Hutton and Gavaskar might be ranked about equally overall, with preference depending partly on where in the world you reside.
Cricinfo's all-time World XI in 2010 had Hobbs and Hutton opening, with Gavaskar and Barry Richards opening for the 2nd XI.