Despite the utmost perseverance of a cricketer, at times, he is not just fortunate enough to make the final cut for either his franchise or the national team. This can be due to several reasons and the captain’s nod has the most telling effect above everything.
Even the best of the captains have failed to recognize flair which later went on to become world-class sensations or even bid adieu to the sport in the most agonizing way, vanishing into oblivion once and forever. We will look at five players who could not make it big because they didn’t get the nod from our very beloved MS Dhoni as he believed that they were still not up to the mark.
1. Ishwar Pandey
With astonishing figures in Ranji Trophy that vaunted about 202 wickets from 56 matches at a decent average of 26, Pandey was one of the most promising prospects overlooked by Dhoni.
In fact, to prove his mettle, after a bright show in Ranji Trophy, he went on to bowl match-winning spells for Chennai Super Kings against stalwarts of the game. He travelled with the Indian team that toured New Zealand in 2014. Despite impressing in the tour matches, he was left out of the squad in the actual series. He was once again selected for the Asia Cup tournament but couldn’t make any impact as he suffered a similar fate.
2. Karn Sharma
Touted as one of the best spinning sensations for his mysterious deliveries, Karn Sharma went on to hog the limelight with his power-packed IPL performances. With considerable stints for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings, he became a captain’s favourite.
However, with the predominance of Ashwin and Jadeja at that point in time, Karn Sharma fizzled away in thin air as Dhoni couldn’t accommodate him.
3. N Jagadeesan
With Indian pundits polarized over their opinions about India’s next best wicket-keeper, Jagadeesan could have been an amazing option. However, the young wicket-keeper cum opener couldn’t make it to the Chennai Super Kings starting lineup as Dhoni reigned supreme.
A Tamil Nadu regular known for his exquisite stroke play, Jagadeesan was also a fine leader and has led his state to several power-packed performances. He lost himself halfway only to accentuate Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
4. Baba Aparajith
From being one of the most sublime youngsters the nation was looking forward to being nobody, Baba Aparajith tasted it all. Deemed as a technical giant, Baba was a fine left-handed batsman.
His phenomenal performances for India u-19 guided the team to a World Cup triumph in 2012. Despite being one of the most coveted sensations of the nation, he couldn’t live up to the billing and finally lost himself to the crowd.
5. Kuldeep Yadav
Currently, the best Indian spinner who weaves magic under staggering circumstances, even he failed to receive the nod from Dhoni. He hogged the limelight with his phenomenal spin bowling as he went on to become the highest wicket-taker of the tournament.
After being roped in by Kolkata Knight Riders, Kuldeep Yadav conjured magic of the highest order. A chinaman of blue ribbon gentry, Yadav got his limelight in the national colours under the chaperonage of Virat Kohli. Now we are all aware of the fact that how Kuldeep Yadav has been destructive in every format of the game.
