The World Cup is one trophy that the best players wait for an entire career to win. These players play their heart out for their country and their ultimate goal is to win the cup for their country. However, there are some players who are not in the same bracket but still end up winning the World Cup. Here are five such players:
Zahad Fazal, 1992
The Pakistani cricketer was one who won the epic 1992 World Cup in the legendary side despite performing poorly. After Pakistan played badly in their opening games, Fazal was given a chance to go out and make some runs against India. Chasing just 216, Pakistan lost their first wicket and Fazal walked in. He ended up making 2 runs in 14 balls. The next match, he made just 11 runs off 41 balls as Pakistan capitulated and lost the game.
Brad Haddin, 2007
Playing back-up to one of the most legendary wicket-keepers can make your chances very slim. That’s exactly what Brad Haddin went through, acting as back-up to Adam Gilchrist in the 2007 edition. He did get a chance to play in 2011 and 2015, winning the latter.
Ravindra Pushpakumara
In a team with good seamers and spinners, Ravindra Pushpakumara was drafted in as a fast bowler. In the match against India however, he gave away 53 runs in 8 overs and no wickets. Again, in a match against Kenya, he managed just 1 wicket. Totally he picked just one wicket at an economy rate just above 6, making him one of the worst bowlers for Sri Lanka.
Piyush Chawla
Another bowler who got into the squad because of a lack of resources, Chawla represented India during the 2011 Cup. He was a back-up to R.Ashwin but did not perform when called. He also gave away two sixes in the penultimate over in the tied match against England. He was dropped later on and Ashwin was drafted in. He also won the 2007 World Cup without playing a single game for the team.
S.Sreesanth
When you’re given the chance to play the Final of a World Cup, you’re expected to bring your best game. However, Sreesanth was terrible, giving 44 runs for just 1 wicket. He was exceptional in the 2007 edition but could not replicate his form for the 2011 one and nearly cost the country a World Cup.
By Rohit Nair
