5 Forgotten Indian Cricketers Who Were Picked In World Cup Squads: Getting into the 15-man ICC World Cup squad is in itself a big achievement for any player. Getting into India’s World Cup squad is perhaps the toughest task in world cricket because of the insane amount of competition in the country that boasts of close to 1.5 billion people now.
As we approach the World Cup 2023, which will be hosted by India, we remember some of the past memories of India’s WC history. The 2-time world champs have boastest of some of the greatest players in the game who have represented India in World Cups.
There have also been a few players you might not remember were part of India’s World Cup squads in the past.
Here are 5 forgotten Indian cricketers who were selected in India’s World Cup squads:
Ambati Rayudu – 2015
Yes, Ambati Rayudu. While fans would remember how Ambati Rayudu was excluded from India’s squad in 2019 WC and the drama that unfolded with him retiring soon after, Rayudu had traveled to Australia and New Zealand for the 2015 WC!
Yes, after his impressive run in the IPL and good form in domestic cricket, Rayudu was called up the ODI side and made into India’s squad for the 2015 WC. However, India went mostly unchanged in the tournament, and Rayudu didn’t get to play a single match in the 2015 WC.
Stuart Binny – 2015
All-rounder Stuart Binny was also part of India’s 2015 WC squad. He was picked based on his seam-bowling all-round abilities, however, with little experience and not much pedigree in Stuart, MS Dhoni didn’t pick him in the XI in any match as Suresh Raina and Jadeja played the role of all-rounder in the side.
Robin Uthappa – 2007
Robin Uthappa is known for his T20 exploits. However, what many might not remember is that Robin Uthappa was also a part of India’s 2007 ODI World Cup squad in West Indies where India crashed out in the first round itself. Uthappa featured in 3 matches in the tournament, scoring only 30 runs.
Axar Patel – 2015
Left-arm spinner Axar Patel had also flown to Australia as part of India’s 2015 WC squad. However, since India didn’t suffer any mid-tournament injuries and all the bowlers performed well throughout the tournament, Axar didn’t get any games in the 2015 WC.
Parthiv Patel – 2003
Parthiv Patel was just 17 years old when he made his Test debut in 2002, and in 2003 made his ODI debut. He went to South Africa for the 2003 WC as a back-up keeper, missing out on his high-school board examinations in the process. He didn’t feature in any match in the 2003 WC.
