Legends Who Played Commonwealth Games: It has been 24 years since that cricket is finally part of the Commonwealth Games (CWG). Women’s cricket is part of the CWG 2022 edition. The last time cricket was part of CWG, it was the men’s cricket that featured. It was South Africa that took the top honors. Australia took home silver and New Zealand took bronze. But there were few celebrated cricketers who lost out on a medal.
We Look At A Few Such Legends Who Missed Out:
#5 VVS Laxman
He is one of the select few Indian legends who has not been part of a single World Cup. VVS Laxman was close to making the squad in 2003 but missed out narrowly. He admits that not playing a single World Cup still haunts him. But Laxman was one of the few elite players who represented the country at CWG. Despite his best efforts, the Indian team couldn’t win a medal.
#4 Curtly Ambrose
He was one of the most fearsome bowlers of his generation. Curtly Ambrose could run through any lineup on his day. He was an absolute beast with the red ball. It was owing to this reason, that Ambrose’s white ball numbers pale in comparison. He represented Antigua and Barbuda teams in the competition. They finished second in Group B next to Australia.
#3 Anil Kumble
Not many know that Ajay Jadeja had led India in the Commonwealth Games in 1998. Anil Kumble was his deputy. The ever-honest trier Anil Kumble gave it all but he finished on the wrong side of the result. India could only win a single game out of three. It was to no one’s surprise that India bowed out of the tournament.
#2 Shoaib Akhtar
He was making his way into international cricket. His pace was being talked about all over. Shoaib Akhtar was Pakistan’s next pace bowling superstar in 1998. His quick arm action, his run-up, everything contained theatre. He was expected to run over sides with his speed. Akhtar was quite a fan favorite at the Commonwealth Games in 1998 in Malaysia. But his attempt proved to be futile as Pakistan too couldn’t win a medal at the games.
#1 Sachin Tendulkar
The year 1998 belonged to Sachin Tendulkar. He scored more than runs any other batsman. Tendulkar had more centuries than any other batter. He was not just batting on a different level but on a different planet. It was the year that witnessed desert storms.
Tendulkar in 1998 trashed bowlers like Warne for fun. He took on literally took on Henry Olonga and smashed him to all corners selling personal scores. Hence it was natural for the Indian fans to expect big from Sachin at the CWG too. But alas he could only do so much as India couldn’t progress beyond the group stage.
