my pics for best modern era batsmen are (not necessary in the order that i have prescribed):

Tests:

1. B. Lara (W.I)

2. S. Tendulkar (Ind.)

3. Sir V. Richards (W.I)

others: R. Ponting, M. Hayden, S. Gavaskar, A. Gilchrist, S. Waugh

ODIS:

1. S. Jayasuria (S.L)

2. S. Tendulkar (Ind.)

3. A. Gilchrist

others: R. Ponting, Sir V. Richards, S. Ganguly, S. Anwar

Current players on recent (let's say for the past 3 years or so) form:

For Tests:

1. R. Ponting

2. M. Hayden

3. S. Tendukar

others: M. Hussey, V. Sewahg, K. Sangakara, G. Smith

For ODI:

1. M. Hayden

2. R. Ponting

3. Kevin Peterson

others: C. Gayle, S. Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, S. Jayasuria

Just my opinion. Coming out with such a list is a daunting and a subjective issue. For example, Warne thinks Tendulkar is better than Lara; McGrath thinks otherwise. I am sure many believe Ponting should be considered as one of the best of all time too.