The sensation of lifting a World Cup is arguably every cricketer's ultimate or definitive ambition. It is a rare opportunity to be a part of a historic phenomenon whose presence will be recognized for as long as the game itself exists. Overall, if one has tasted World Cup glory, it is an aristocratic honor to be a part of.
When it comes to the path to World Cup success, the game has often shown us that it can not only make or destroy an individual's career, but it can also bring a nation together. So one thing that has clearly emerged from its 12-edition history is that, despite being a player of the finest lineage, one can fall short when it comes to tasting a World Cup glory.
Here’s a list of 5 legendary cricketers who never won a World Cup:
1.Graeme Smith
If one were to pick the best all-time captains of the twentieth century, Graeme Smith's name would almost certainly come to mind. The left-handed opener made his ODI debut against Australia in 2002 and was also a member of South Africa's World Cup team in 2003. Smith was then given command of South African cricket when he was only 22 years old, and he led the team in the next two World Cups.
Smith came the closest to World Cup success in 2007, when his team was thoroughly outplayed by Ricky Ponting's Australia, being bowled out for just under 150 in the semi-final. On the other hand, Smith had begun his World Cup campaign with a bang, scoring four consecutive 50s, a feat never before accomplished by a captain.
Smith led his team to the quarter-finals of the 2011 World Cup; however, they were knocked out by New Zealand while badly pursuing the target of 222.
2. Brendon McCullum
There is little question that the style of cricket that modern-day sides like England play now was pioneered by players like Brendon McCullum during his playing days. If one were, to sum up, McCullum's hitting in a single word, the term "thrill" could be a good fit. McCullum has played in four World Cups since making his debut in 2002. (2003, 2007, 2011, 2015).
The 2007 and 2011 World Cups were the same tale for New Zealand, as they were defeated by the Sri Lankans in the semi-finals on both occasions. However, in the late 2000s, when T20 cricket was still in its infancy, McCullum and Chris Gayle were among its most eloquent ambassadors.
McCullum's finest was shown when he became a full-time opener, and when his leadership tenure began, he led New Zealand to its first World Cup final in 2015, only to be defeated by the Australians.
3. Sourav Ganguly
If one were to write a book on the golden years of Indian cricket, the title "The Chapter of Ruthlessness" would begin with the name "Sourav Ganguly." He was unquestionably one of the best limited-overs batsmen of his era, having been in three World Cups (1999, 2003, 2007).
Every 90s youngster remembers India's World Cup campaign in 2003, particularly how India defeated Pakistan, England, and New Zealand. Seeing the likes of Tendulkar, Dravid, and Ganguly at their best was an additional bonus. However, the final loss to Australia remains etched in the hearts of many Indian supporters since it was the only time Ganguly came near to a World Cup triumph.
Ganguly's performance in the three World Cups is amazing, as he scored 1,066 runs in 22 matches at an average of almost 56.
4. Brain Lara
Brain Lara's inclusion on this list is a foregone conclusion, especially given the volume of cricket he played during his international career. Millions of people who have watched Lara bat have been awed by his stroke play throughout the years.
In terms of his World Cup experience, Lara played in five World Cups (1992, 1996, 1999, 2003, and 2007), and the closest his side came was a 5 run loss to Australia in the semi-finals in 1996. Looking at his career, more significantly, one can easily link Lara with a period when West Indies cricket was steadily declining.
Despite this, he maintained a strong ODI record, collecting more than 10,000 runs with an average of about 40 and 19 hundred.
5. Rahul Dravid
If cricket itself has to pick the most disciplined students, it's doubtful that Rahul Dravid's name will come first. Cricket, whose striking technique itself is a coaching manual, is subject to various conditions in the world.
Unfortunately, like his mate Sourav Ganguly, Dravid also can't get his hands on a World Cup trophy. Rahul Dravid was also part of Ganguly again and three World Cup editions that ran from 1999 to 2007. He is an important part of India's batting order at the 2003 World Cup and continues to have a fragile subclass of young guns like Yuvraj and Kaif, depending on the kind of Sachin, Sehwag, and Sourav.
However, he plays over 100 and 300 games in Tests and ODIs along with Sachin, Ganguly for India. He is also on another legend list with over 10,000 runs in both formats.
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