Cricket in India transcends the boundaries of mere sport; it’s a religion for countless fans who dream of wearing the coveted blue jersey on the international stage. While India boasts a rich cricketing history with numerous players representing the nation, the pinnacle for many remains the World Cup. Held every four years, this mega event features the world’s best, but only 15 players can make it to the Indian squad.
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The most recent World Cups in 2015, 2019, and 2023 featured stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Shami. These players have been constants in India’s World Cup campaigns. However, five cricketers, who made their debuts before 2015 and are yet to retire, have not been fortunate enough to grace the World Cup stage.
1. Jaydev Unadkat: A Left-Arm Hope
Jaydev Unadkat, the left-arm pace bowler, debuted in ODIs against Zimbabwe in 2013, accumulating nine wickets in eight matches. Despite impressive domestic performances, he has not secured a regular spot in the Indian ODI squad, missing out on World Cup opportunities.
2. Saurabh Tiwary: IPL Sensation
Saurabh Tiwary became a sensation after his stellar IPL 2010 season with the Mumbai Indians. His ODI debut for India followed in 2010, but he played only three matches, scoring 49 runs. Since then, Tiwary has remained on the fringes, yearning for another ODI chance.
3. Wriddhiman Saha: The Wicketkeeping Veteran
Veteran wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha received his ODI cap in 2010 but played just nine matches, accumulating 41 runs. Despite his consistency in Test cricket, Saha never found a permanent place in India’s ODI lineup.
4. Varun Aaron: The Express Pacer
Express fast bowler Varun Aaron made his ODI debut in 2011 but played only nine matches, the last in 2014. His raw pace didn’t earn him a spot in the 2015 World Cup squad. Although he’s yet to play another ODI for India, Aaron remains determined, recently switching to Baroda after leaving the Jharkhand domestic team.
5. Cheteshwar Pujara: Test Star
Cheteshwar Pujara, the rock of India’s Test team, made his ODI debut in 2013 and even featured in the Asia Cup 2014 squad. However, he missed out on the Cricket World Cup in 2015. Pujara continues to amass runs in county cricket for Sussex, but his ODI aspirations have remained unfulfilled since 2014.
These five cricketers, despite their talents and contributions, have yet to taste the World Cup glory that so many in India dream of. Their stories serve as a reminder of the fierce competition and high standards in Indian cricket, where even the best sometimes miss out on the grandest stage of all.
