5 legends who fared poorly on their international debut ft. MS Dhoni

Cricket is a cruel game at times, especially given its unpredictable nature. Over the years, many players suffered rough start to their international careers but later achieved significant success in their careers.

Former Indian captain MS Dhoni made a disappointing debut in an ODI fixture against Bangladesh 20 years ago on December 23. But, he went on to lead the side to white-ball glories in the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, and 2013 Champions Trophy.

Along with Dhoni, many cricketers overcame their initial setbacks to leave an indelible mark on the sport. On that note, let's check out a few notable cricketers who showed early struggles don't define a player's career.

---

#1 Don Bradman

One of the greatest batters to grace the cricket field, Sir Donald Bradman made his Test debut against England in Brisbane in November 1928. The visitors batted first and posted a total of 521.

In response, Australia could only score 122, with Bradman returning with a knock of 18 off 40. Then, England declared on 342/8 to set up a target of 742 for Australia. Bradman could only contribute one as the hosts were bundled out for 66, and lost the game by a mammoth 675 runs.

Despite his poor debut, Bradman went on to slam 6,996 runs at an astonishing average of 99.96, with 29 centuries. He still holds the record for scoring the most double centuries (12) by any player in tests.

---

#2 Jacques Kallis

Former all-rounder Jacques Kallis didn't have an eventful test debut in December 1995 against England in Durban. In a game disturbed by bad light and rain delays, South Africa batted first.

Kallis was dismissed for one off 12, as the hosts were all-out for 225. The game ended as a draw after England were at 152/5. Despite his unsuccessful debut, Kallis went on to achieve great heights during his career.

The right-hander garnered 25,534 runs and scalped 577 wickets across all formats and is counted among the Proteas' greats.

---

#3 Wasim Akram

Arguably the finest exponent of reverse-swing bowling, Wasim Akram made his ODI debut against New Zealand in November 1984 in Faislabad. Originally, the game was set to be 40 overs per side, but it got reduced to 20 overs.

The hosts managed to post a 157-run total in their designated 20 overs. Akram, who opened the bowling for Pakistan, went on to concede 31 runs off four overs without taking a wicket. However, Pakistan won the game by five runs.

Despite his under-par debut, Akram finished his international career with a total of 916 wickets, and also scored 6,615 runs.

---

#4 MS Dhoni

The legendary Indian captain MS Dhoni began his international career on a dismal note against Bangladesh in Chattogram in December 2004. India batted first and got a crucial contribution from Rahul Dravid (53).

Dhoni came in at No. 7 in the 42nd over and nudged the ball to run for a single on his first delivery to get off the mark. However, non-striker Mohammad Kaif sensed a danger, and sent Dhoni back to the striker's end. By the time, Dhoni could return, he was run-out for a golden duck.

Kaif went on to score 80 to help India post a 245-run total. Thereafter, the hosts lost the game by 11 runs.

Despite his unsuccessful debut, Dhoni is counted as the legend of the game, due to his leadership, batting performances and skills behind the stumps. He amassed 17,092 runs and ranks third with the most dismissals (1,363) by a wicket-keeper.

---

#5 Sourav Ganguly

Often called 'Dada', Sourav Ganguly is revered as a leader, which lit fire and hunger in the Indian dressing room to win games. However, he succumbed to an unsuccessful ODI debut against West Indies in Brisbane in January 1992.

Ganguly was dismissed for three, as India were bundled out for 191. The Caribbean side then chased down the score under 49 overs. The lackluster debut resulted in Ganguly playing his next international game in 1996.

However, it was no looking back then, as the southpaw garnered 18,575 runs across tests and ODIs, with 38 centuries and 107 fifties. Under him, the side won the 2002 Champions Trophy and emerged as the runner-up in the 2003 World Cup.