After 1st T20 World Cup, 3 Indian cricketers mysteriously vanished.
The T20 World Cup, often termed cricket’s most electrifying format, has a history of unveiling fairytale debuts. Amidst the roar of the crowd and the clash of willow on leather, there exist tales of players who rose like meteors in their maiden World Cup, only to vanish into the cricketing shadows, leaving behind a trail of unfulfilled promise. As the spotlight swings towards the T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA, we revisit the stories of four such “Unicorns” from India and ponder if history might repeat itself on American soil.
Varun Chakravarthy: The Mystery Spinner
Varun Chakravarthy’s unexpected call-up to the 2019 T20 World Cup was a shocker. Hailing from Tamil Nadu, this mystery spinner’s bag of googlies, sliders, and the deceptive “mystery ball” had bamboozled domestic batsmen. However, the global stage proved overwhelming. His variations lacked bite, his economy soared, and his confidence plummeted. In just three games, the enigma of Chakravarthy faded, leaving a lingering question: Was he a mirage in the desert, or a talent that simply couldn’t bloom under the World Cup sun?
Vijay Shankar: The All-Rounder
Vijay Shankar, the quintessential “bits and pieces” all-rounder, found himself thrust into the 2019 T20 World Cup squad as a replacement. His medium pace and handy lower-order runs had impressed in the IPL, but the World Cup proved a different beast. His batting lacked fluency, his bowling lacked sting, and his fielding lacked… well, everything. Shankar’s World Cup sojourn was forgettable, his international career fizzling out like a damp firework soon after.
Jaydev Unadkat: The Left-arm Prodigy
Once touted as the next Zaheer Khan, Jaydev Unadkat’s fiery left-arm pace had tormented domestic batsmen for years. So, when he earned a T20 World Cup call-up in 2015, it felt like a natural progression. But on the world stage, Unadkat’s swing lacked control, his pace lacked venom, and his confidence took a severe beating. Just one forgettable World Cup appearance was enough to derail his international ambitions, leaving him to toil in the shadows of domestic cricket.
Yuzvendra Chahal: A Surprise or Controversial Pick?
Yuzvendra Chahal‘s inclusion in the 2015 T20 World Cup squad ahead of the seasoned R Ashwin was a decision that sparked debate. While Chahal’s youthful exuberance and leg-spin wizardry were undeniable, his lack of experience against seasoned international players raised eyebrows. His World Cup outing was a mixed bag – flashes of brilliance mixed with moments of inconsistency. However, unlike the others on this list, Chahal persevered, honed his craft, and eventually established himself as a force to be reckoned with in international cricket.
“I understand that only fifteen players can be a part because it’s a World Cup, where you can’t take 17 or 18. I do feel a little bad, but my motto in life is to move on. I’m used to it now… it’s been three World Cup,” quoted Yuzvendra Chahal.
The 2024 T20 World Cup in USA: Will History Repeat Itself?
As the cricketing world sets its sights on the upcoming T20 World Cup in the USA, whispers of history repeating itself begin to swirl. India, ever the champion contender, is once again testing out a battery of young bowlers – pacemen like Umran Malik and Ravi Bishnoi, spinners like Kuldeep Sen and Krishnappa Gautam. Are these the next “Unicorns”? Or will they succumb to the same pressures that befell their predecessors under the American spotlights?
Only time will tell. But one thing is certain – the T20 World Cup 2024, with its intoxicating blend of hope, pressure, and uncertainty, will always attract its share of surprise selections and, potentially, mysterious disappearances. As fans, we can only watch with bated breath, hoping for the rise of new heroes while acknowledging the fragility of sporting dreams.
FAQs
- Did Chahal played T20 World Cup?
Chahal missed the Asia Cup, apart from the World Cup, this year. He was also left out of the 2021 T20 World Cup in UAE. And in the 2022 World Cup, though he was part of the squad, the team management opted to go with the two finger spinners – Ravi Ashwin and Axar Patel – in the playing 11 throughout the campaign.
- Is Jaydev Unadkat a fast bowler?
He is a left-arm fast bowler. He has played for the Delhi Daredevils, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, Rising Pune Super Giants, and Royal Challengers Bangalore before coming to us, the Mumbai Indians.
- Why is Vijay Shankar not playing for India?
Shankar last played for India in the World Cup match against West Indies before he was injured. After being ruled out of the tournament, he was never called back again to the Indian side in any format.
- What is the highest score of Vijay Shankar in IPL?
He has also slammed 6 half-centuries, with his highest IPL score being 63* runs. Vijay Shankar has hit 73 fours and 43 sixes in his IPL career. In the IPL Auction 2024, the Gujarat franchise acquired the services of Vijay Shankar for Rs 1.40 Cr.
- What is the fastest 50 Vijay Shankar?
21-ball fifty
Contrary to his reputation, Shankar smashed a 21-ball fifty, which is the fastest in the history of Gujarat Titans.9 Apr 2023.
- Who is the mystery spinner in India?
Chakaravarthy’s story serves an Inspiration to cricketers who have faced adversity. Varun Chakaravarthy had an exhilarating run in 2021.
- What is the career of Varun Chakravarthy in cricket?
Varun Chakaravarthy has played 56 matches to date in his IPL career and has scored 25 runs, with an average of 6.25. With his highest IPL score being 10* runs. In the IPL Auction 2024, the Kolkata franchise acquired the services of Varun Chakaravarthy for Rs 12.00 Cr.
