5 wicket-keepers who had short but memorable careers

There is a reason why wicket-keepers are referred to as the backbone of the fielding unit in any cricket team. In a day and age when flamboyant batting and mystique in the bowling have grabbed attention, the wicket-keepers continue to be the most unassuming entities like they have always been.

They are one of the most unassuming people in the cricketing field. It is almost taken for granted that they will go about doing their jobs. So much so that even a flashy moment of brilliance slips under the radar, with the notion that it is all part of their jobs. These things have never baffled them, they go through their motions, keep on crouching behind the stumps, almost galvanising the team around them. They set the tone in the field, assist the captain in setting the fields, dictate the angles in the field, and almost carry the team along.

Gone are the days, when wicket-keepers were only sound gloveman, today they are expected to score runs too, and not just some meagre contribution, but match-winning ones. The roles have evolved over the years, and they have become impact players for their teams.

Here we take a look at 5 wicket-keepers who had a brief stint at the international stage, grabbed eyeballs but then fizzled out.

#1 Vijay Yadav (India)

An effective wicket-keeper and a useful lower order batsman, Vijay Yadav came into the Indian team after a string of notable performances for Haryana in the domestic set up. He was included in the touring India side to South Africa, but could only get one game on that tour.

However, he is best remembered as being the wicket-keeper in that famous semi-final of the Titan Cup in Eden Gardens when Sachin Tendulkar bowled the final over and did not allow the Proteas to score 6 runs in it.

Yadav was one animated figure on the ground as he constantly moved up to captain Azharuddin and Sachin to formulate tactics. His keeping was brilliant all through the over as he stopped the ball on almost 3 occasions. On the final ball, he moved back to stop any edge and that came true as he collected the final ball and India scripted a memorable win by 2 runs.  

His career did not kick on, but he will always be remembered for this match.