While some players may have bid adieu to the international arena after their world cup victory, their names and what they achieved are still deeply cherished by cricket fans.
World cup has always been a very special tournament for any cricket fan. Throughout its storied history, this tournament has gifted us with unforgettable moments that we treasure for a lifetime. These moments are more than mere memories; they are indelibly etched onto our very souls. There are players who are remembered by their performance and participation in the game.Their names whispered in reverent tones. We recall their contributions, their magic on the field, and their unwavering commitment to the game.
However, there exists a unique category of players – those who, despite achieving the ultimate glory, have not donned their nation's colours in international matches since their momentous World Cup victory. Today, we gather not to mourn their absence from the international arena but to celebrate their World Cup triumphs, which remain frozen in time, forever etching their names in the cricket history.
In the pages of the New World Journal, the venerable C. L. R. James once penned that Kanhai was "the high peak of West Indian cricketing development", and praised his "adventuresome" attitude. As part of the West Indian squad that achieved a historic victory in the inaugural 1975 Cricket World Cup, Kanhai's influence on the field remained an essential chapter in the narrative of that triumph. Even in the grand finale of the 1975 World Cup, adorned with the wisdom of grey hair and stepping into his 40th year, Kanhai's poised half-century provided the very foundation upon which Clive Lloyd's explosive innings was constructed. It was a swan song, a last dance on the international stage for Kanhai, concluding his illustrious career.
Glenn Donald McGrath, an Aussie cricket legend, spent 14 years on the field. He was part of the team that snagged three consecutive World Cups: '99, '03, and '07. McGrath's legacy in the 2003 final is etched in cricketing lore, as he delivered the decisive blow by claiming the wicket of Zaheer Khan, sealing Australia's victory. The culmination of his one-day career at the 2007 World Cup was a swan song marked by a remarkable feat. His amazing bowling skills in the 2007 World Cup won him the "Man of the Tournament" award, playing a massive role in Australia's win.
Joginder Sharma is a former Indian cricketer who now serves as a Deputy Superintendent of Police in the Haryana Police. He earned his place in Indian cricketing history as the unsung hero of the 2007 T20 World Cup. In a nail-biting final against Pakistan, Sharma was tasked with bowling the crucial final over, with just thirteen runs needed for Pakistan to win and one wicket remaining. In a moment etched in cricketing lore, Sharma took the wicket of Misbah-ul-Haq, securing a historic victory for India. While he never graced international cricket again, his unforgettable contribution remains a cherished part of the sport's legacy.
Alexander Daniel Hales is an English cricketer. He kicked off his international career by debuting in ODIs against India in August 2014, and later made his Test cricket debut against South Africa in December 2015. Hales boasts a unique achievement as the first English batsman to notch a T20I century, securing his spot in history with an unbeaten 116 against Sri Lanka during the 2014 ICC World Twenty20. Hales was a pivotal part of the England team that clinched the 2022 T20 World Cup. However, in August 2023, he made the bittersweet announcement of retiring from international cricket.
Khan, a distinguished Pakistani cricketer, held the role of the team's captain at various points between 1982 and 1992. He achieved a momentous triumph by leading Pakistan to victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup, which stands as the nation's sole victory in world cup tournament. Khan's remarkable cricketing journey came to a permanent close just six months after his final ODI, a historic match in the 1992 World Cup final against England in Melbourne, Australia.
As we reflect upon these remarkable cricketers, we find that their World Cup triumphs, now frozen in time, are not just moments on the field but chapters in the ever-evolving narrative of cricket. Though they may never have played international cricket post their World Cup victories, their legacy endures, serving as a testament to the enduring magic and allure of the game.
