Before setting out to list my five’worst’ cricketers, I would like to discuss what is the connotation of’worst’ according to me.
Every cricketer is judged by his performance on the field.Everytime any Indian cricketer walks on the field he knows that he is being watched by millions of spectators in his country.How well he performs depends on how well he can handle the pressure of expectations.Sometimes it may be that the individual is very talented but performs badly as he is unable to handle the pressure well.Sometimes its just his bad luck that a well timed shot finds its way into a fielder’s hands instead of crossing the boundary ropes.
In my opinion, a cricketer is’worst’ who despite getting reasonable chances to prove himself is unable to perform on the field.Just because a player is dropped by selectors for no reason or because of the zonal quota system prevalent in our selection procedure, he does not become’worst’ cricketer.
Just because a cricketer has got one chance to prove himself and he hasnt been able to make most of that opportunity, he cannot be labeled as’worst’ cricketer.What if a debutant gets to come in with last 2 overs of the innings remaining and in trying to accelerate the scoring he falls for zero? He is not given a chance in the next match because some other senior player is available for selection.Does the poor one match player become a’worst’ cricketer.
I read some reviews in this category and somewhere name of Pankaj Dharmani was mentioned.That chap got just one ODI against South Africa and he came into bat when India was in a hopeless situation having lost all their star batsman in a big run chase.The reviewers have labelled him as a’worst’ cricketer.I dont think this is fair and hence I needed to give this background before I listed my five worst cricketers.
Further, I clarify that these comments are only as regarding the performances of these cricketers on the field.These are not comments on their talents as cricketers or on the cricketers themselves as individuals.
I start in ascending order
My 5th placed worst cricketer is Dodda Ganesh.The Karnataka seamer was looked upon as some who could take over the mantle from Srinath and Prasad.However, Ganesh’s weak shoulders could not bear the burden of bowling responsibilities.He toured South Africa in 1996 and the Proteas made mincemeat of him.Though he had the promise he never really delivered on the big scene despite getting several games.
The 4th placed worst cricketer is Vikram Rathore.He was a contemporary of Dodda Ganesh and toured SA in 1996 with the Indian team.Looking into his performances in Ranji trophy selectors chose him for the opening slot but Rathore failed to deliver the goods.Donald & co were more than a match for him.
The 3rd placed worst cricketer is Sujith Somasundaram.He played as an opener in the Titan cup series between Ind - Aus - SA in 1996.He was involved in the worst mixups I have ever seen.He was absolutely frozen against the likes of McMillan, Donald and De Villiers.He would bat for around 7 overs when India would have scored around 9-10 runs and then get out being stifled by the accuracy of the South African bowlers.
The 2nd placed worst cricketer is Ravi Shastri.Champion of Champions in 1985, Shastri witnessed a steady decline since then.By 1991 exasperated viewers used to say, Isko kyon khilate hain?( why do they make him play?).When he batted in the 1991 series against Australia and then in the 1992 World Cup, people used to say he is batting in an ODI as if he is playing a Test.Shastri himself stated that his fitness was not good and that was the reason why he was unable to perform.Just makes one wonder why did he choose to play at all when he was not totally fit? However he is a successful commentator and real good at that.
AND THE NO 1 on my list of worst players is
:.VINOD KAMBLI.:
Childhood friend of Sachin Tendulkar.Started his career with a bang for India.Two consecutive double centuries in two Tests against England.Had a steady place in the team till 1996 World Cup.Slowly his game started showing lack of application.He adopted a cavalier attitude irrespective of the match situation.Attempted big shots thinking whatever he hit had to sail into the stands.I still remember him getting bowled to a Chris Cairns full toss on his stumps which he attempted to hit for six.Another famous Kambli dismissal is by Aaquib Javed in Sharjah where Kambli shuffled across towards the off stump and the ball uprooted his leg stump.
When you contrast Kambli with Tendulkar, you see how much difference can application make to the career of a cricketer.Another sad case of talent gone down the drain.It was not lack of talent but the wrong attitude towards the game which drove him out of the team.
Another cricketer who deserves a mention is Deep Dasgupta.He dropped the easiest of catches and missed stumpings which any ordinary stumper would effect easily.He scored a century, but it was not good enough to keep him in the team when he could not accomplish the job he was given.
Prospective entrant to this list is Parthiv Patel.Let us hope he does well in Nagpur test.Else he too could be sharing honours with Dasgupta.
Stop Press: Parthiv has already missed stumping of Michael Clarke in Nagpur Test on day one.Better luck for him tomorrow