5 modern-day Indian cricketers who didn't live up to their full potential

Modified Dec 23, 2019 11:09 IST

Irfan Pathan had a great start to his career but failed to become a permanent fixture in the Indian team

#2 Irfan Pathan

There seemed a time when nobody could ever emulate the greatness of India's legendary all-rounder and World Cup-winning captain, Kapil Dev. Sourav Ganguly's Indian team had absolutely all bases covered with explosive opener, batsmen who could anchor, finishers and excellent spinners and swing bowlers. The only thing that they lacked so to say, was a genuine all-rounder who bowled fast-medium pace.

When Irfan Pathan made his debut at a time like this, pressure and expectations were high. Pathan impressed one and all with his magic early on in his career, with the highlight being his first over hat trick in the first over a Test against Pakistan. However, he couldn't keep up the tempo as he saw himself being left out of the squad a few years down the line.

Despite being a strike bowler who swung the ball beautifully as well as a handy batsman who could hit a few delightful boundaries, Irfan Pathan today could have been in a different league altogether.

Having played his last Test in 2008 and his last ODI in 2012, it is safe to say that his best days as a cricketer are behind him