5 legends who could never get their hands on ODI World Cup

The game of cricket has always been blessed with highly skilled players during different eras. Some made a place in their national squad with time while some rose to fame in no time. A cricketer enjoys the best times of life while he is in action on the field.

Having said that, winning the World Cup for the country remains an ultimate dream of all the players. History has witnessed cricketers who have made an unmatchable contribution to the game and taken their nation’s cricket to newer heights but couldn’t lay their hands on the coveted trophy in the ODI format. Let’s take a look at those five cricketers-

5. Sourav Ganguly

The Legendary batsman of India, Sourav Ganguly, is known for his great contribution to the Indian cricket. The stylish southpaw will always be remembered for his overseas dominance. However, what remains is the matter of disappointment that Ganguly could never get his hands on the World Cup trophy.

He even led India to the final of 2003 ICC WC but luck didn’t favour him to lift the trophy. Nevertheless, he will always be remembered by Men in Blue for handing them over some of the greatest players the world has seen.

4. Jacques Kallis

Kallis earned his reputation as one of the finest all-rounders ever to grace the game. His stunning form in the bilateral series and other series was lauded time, and again, but then, the Proteas player could never win the World Cup in his sparkling career.

For that matter, the South African team has never had the honour of lifting the World Cup in all these years. Despite having a star-studded line-up, they remain to face the cricket world with the ‘Chokers’ tag. He has 13,289, and 11,579 runs to his credit in Tests and ODI respectively.

3. Brian Lara

Lara is named amongst one of the greatest batsmen, the West Indies soil has ever witnessed. His majestic records and stroke-play still remain a thing to watch out for. His 400* in the Test cricket is yet untouched and remains a dream for international players.

However, his only ill-fate was that he was in action while the West Indies cricket saw a downward trend overall. Despite having several accolades to his name, the Caribbean stunner couldn’t lift the World Cup trophy for his nation. In ODI, he smashed 10,405 runs, which were decorated by 19 centuries.

2. AB de Villiers

He is the only player on this list who still sets the field on fire with his epic batting skills. Popularly known as Mr 360, ABD can ace shots in all the directions and is equally amazing while showing his class in fielding.

When the whole of South Africa is living with a ‘Chokers’ tag, De Villiers is surely drowning in the same pool with them. The world has seen one of the best cricketers and humans in AB de Villiers at once, but the sad fact that he couldn’t touch the World Cup ever remains.

1. Kumar Sangakkara

One Sri Lankan who amazed everyone with his records and skills was Kumar Sangakkara. While keeping the wickets for his side, he never failed to put a classy batting show. By the time he bid farewell to his international career, only Tendulkar was ahead of him among all-time ODI run-getters.

However, the legendary Lankan could never in his life see the face of the ODI World Cup Trophy. Losing in the finale in two consecutive World Cups, 2007 and 2011, will definitely remain one of the heartbreaking memories for Sangakkara. He retired from international cricket in 2015.