The Indian squad for World Cup 2019 was announced yesterday and it can be said that Vijay Shankar was one of the luckiest players to be on that list. The right-handed batsman, who just made it to the Indian team in the last year, was included while few players narrowly missed selection for the big tournament. Rishabh Pant was dropped which hurt some fans a lot. Also, Ambati Rayudu’s omission was a heartbreak for many fans.
Talking about surprising selections, Vijay Shankar is truly an example. Who knew that the player who stumbled big time during the Nidahas trophy’s final against Bangladesh about one year ago will be a confirmed member of Indian squad. Well this is not the first time that such a thing has happened. Earlier too, many players were selected in the Indian squad for World Cup tournaments and their selection became a big surprise for cricket fans in the country. Here we look at some such selections in the past.
Subroto Banerjee (1992 World Cup)
His selection can be termed as a surprise from the fact that he was only able to play 1 Test and 6 ODIs for Indian team. He played in the national team for just two years from 1991 to 1992 and his journey in national team ended after 1992 World Cup.
Aashish Kapoor (1996 World Cup)
Aashish Kapoor played 4 Tests and 17 ODIs for India from 1994 to 2000. He was selected in the 1996 World Cup, which came as a surprise to many cricket enthusiasts. After 2000, he was never able to make a comeback in the national team but he kept on playing domestic cricket.
Amay Khurasiya (1999 World Cup)
Amay’s selection in 1999 World Cup was a lucky one. This can be known from the fact was he did not play a single match in the tournament. He played only 12 ODIs for India and played his last match in November 2001 against Sri Lanka.
Dinesh Mongia (2003 World Cup)
Dinesh Mongia was selected in the 2003 World Cup, taking the spot of VVS Laxman. His selection in place of VVS Laxman came as a shocker for everyone. While India made it to the finals of the edition, losing the trophy to Australia, Mongia hardly made a noteworthy contribution.
Robin Uthappa (2007 World Cup)
Robin Uthappa had a stellar ODI debut but many felt he was too raw when selected in the Indian team for the 2007 World Cup. In the tournament which can be termed as one of India’s worsts, Men in Blue were out in group stage itself after losing to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Robin was part of all the three matches in which India played, but scored only 30 runs.
Piyush Chawla (2011 World Cup)
Piyush Chawla is quite a popular name at present due to his association as an important player of IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders. But many may not remember that he was also a member of the ICC Cricket World Cup-winning Indian squad in 2011. He was picked as a spinner in Indian team along with R Ashwin, but did not do well and soon lost his place in the Indian team.
Mohit Sharma (2015 World Cup)
Mohit Sharma became known fans due to his association with Chennai Super Kings. The right-handed bowler, who has played just 21 ODIs and 4 Tests in his career so far, was selected in 2015 World Cup in Indian squad. His selection in place of injured Ishant Sharma came as a surprise as he had very little experience in international cricket before the World Cup. Mohit was impressive though, claiming 13 wickets in the tournament.