5 popular Indian cricketers who never played an ODI World Cup match ft. Ambati Rayudu
The 2023 ICC Men's ODI World Cup is currently underway in India. Home team India have been undefeated in the competition so far, having won all five of the matches that they have played.
One of the main reasons behind India's success is that the team management has made some tough calls with regards to squad selection. They have prioritized form over reputation and picked the team wisely.
Over the years, India's selection committee has pulled off masterstrokes and committed some errors as well while picking the ODI World Cup squad. Due to the team management's decisions and injury issues, the following five popular Indian players never got a chance to play an ODI World Cup match.
#1 Ambati Rayudu warmed the benches in 2015 ODI World Cup
Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Ambati Rayudu was groomed by the selectors to bat at number four in the 2019 World Cup. However, Rayudu did not get a place in the World Cup squad. He was not considered as an injury replacement as well.
Four years before that tournament, Rayudu traveled Down Under with the Indian squad for the 2015 World Cup. Since the first-choice playing XI performed well, Rayudu warmed the benches in all the games.
#2 Ishant Sharma
Fast bowler Ishant Sharma was selected in the 2015 ODI World Cup squad. Fans expected the tall fast bowler to play a big role in India's success in Australia and New Zealand. However, Sharma missed the mega event due to a knee injury.
Sharma was active in ODI cricket around the 2011 and 2019 World Cups, but was not considered for the main squad.
#3 Praveen Kumar
Another fast bowler to feature on the list is Praveen Kumar, who was present in India's 2011 World Cup squad, but he missed the tournament because of an elbow injury. Sreesanth replaced him in the team.
Speaking exclusively to Sportskeeda, Praveen Kumar reflected on that injury and said:
"I'll always regret that I wasn't able to play the World Cup. But it's natural that if you get injured, you really can't do much. But yeah, it does affect me that I wasn't part of the final squad."
#4 Murali Kartik
Former Indian spinner Murali Kartik is best-remembered for his six-wicket haul in an ODI against the 'invincible' Australian side in 2007. Kartik played 37 ODIs for India from 2002 to 2007.
Two World Cup events were held in that duration, but Kartik never got an opportunity to play. He played the last ODI of his career on November 18, 2007 against Pakistan.
#5 Amit Mishra
Amit Mishra made his ODI debut for India back in 2003 and is yet to retire. It is quite surprising to note that the leg-spinner never got a chance to play for the country in an ODI World Cup match.
Mishra bowled a dream spell of 5/18 in his last ODI match against New Zealand on October 29, 2016. Many fans find it hard to believe that he never donned the blue jersey in the 50-over format again.