9. VVS Laxman – Never played a match in the World Cup
The ‘Very Very Special’ Indian middle-order batsman was a cricketing giant in Tests. He could play under difficult conditions and scored important runs for the team. His 283* after being followed on against Australia will always be remembered.
Despite being such a great player, Laxman never played in the World Cup. Although he had played 86 ODIs, but he was never considered for the highest level. He was left out of the 2003 and 2007 World Cup squads. In 2011 World Cup, which India won, Laxman was totally out of contention.
10. Mark Boucher – Missed 1000 international dismissals
This Proteas wicketkeeper followed the footsteps of Aussie great Adam Gilchrist. Gilchrist however was very handy with the bat, Boucher played some handy knocks. But behind the stumps, Boucher was lightning quick.
His movements, skills and reflexes were amazing. With all these he was involved in 999 dismissals (555 in ODIs, 425 in Tests and 19 in T20Is). However when a vicious delivery from Imran Tahir hit the stumps, one of the bails hit Boucher’s eye.
Unluckily Boucher had to hang his boots up untimely. He will forever regret the injury which ended his career prematurely. This forced him to not achieve the unique record of 1000 international dismissals. Had he got that, he would have become the first cricketer to do so.