Hundreds of talented cricketers around the globe who were rated very high by legends from the cricketing world have failed to make an impact despite their prowess on the field. These cricketers either failed to grab the opportunities or were plagued by their own vices. Their interesting and fascinating tales gives a life lesson that one should always be humble, hardworking and ready to seize the opportunity. Here we have covered seven cricketers who just could not make it big despite their obvious talents in the cricketing world.
7 Cricketers Who Wasted Their Careers
1- Wasim Jaffer
A legend of domestic cricket, Wasim Jaffer failed to replicate the same success in international cricket. Jaffer has an average of 50.67 in First Class cricket with 19,410 runs. However, in international cricket he could only manage an average of 34.10 in 31 Test matches. He scored a measly 1,944 runs in his Test career and never really fulfilled the desires of his fans. Jaffer also played 2 ODI matches in which he only scored 10 runs with an average of 5. He is probably the biggest disappointment when it comes to transforming talent and skills into success in international cricket.
2- Vinod Kambli
The story that began with two promising cricketers ultimately unfolded as a contrasting narrative, with Tendulkar’s remarkable achievements standing in stark contrast to Kambli’s cricketing aspirations that did not materialize as hoped. Vinod Kambli was a talented Indian player who played 17 Tests and scored 1,084 runs with an average of above 54. He also played 104 ODIs and scored 2,477 runs with an average of 32.59. It is said that Kambli’s lavish lifestyle came in the way of his cricket. He started with a great flourish but failed to convert his career into something big.
3- Shaun Tait
A lethal fast bowler who could continuously bowl around 155 km/ph, Shaun Tait was a menace to deal with for the batters. However, the former Australian cricketer could never get his line and lengths right and failed to grab the opportunities that came his way. Tait played 35 ODIs for Australia in which he picked 62 wickets with an average of 23.56. He also represented Australia in 3 Tests and picked up 5 wickets. Shaun Tait performed in an underwhelming manner at the international level and could never reach the heights that he was capable of. Definitely, a talented cricketer who wasted his career.
Also read: Top 7 Indian Cricketers Who Deserved Better
4- Mohammad Asif
Pakistani pacer, Mohammad Asif had an exciting career. He was banned by ICC for seven years due to his involvement in the spot-fixing scandal. Asif even served one year in prison for the same. Asif played 23 Tests and picked 103 wickets with an average of 23.18. He also represented Pakistan in 38 ODIs and picked 46 wickets with an average of 33.13. His involvement in fixing led to his downfall. Asif was becoming on of the top bowlers for Pakistan when he wasted his career for illegal money.
5- Chris Lynn
Chris Lynn is an Australian batter who arrived with a great persona in the international circuit. He was known for his insane hitting abilities. Lynn played a lot of cricket in IPL for Kolkata Knight Riders and scored more than 1300 runs with a strike rate of 140. However, Chris Lynn failed to make an impact in international. He wasted away his huge potential. Lynn could only score 75 runs in 4 ODIs that he has played with an average of 18.8. He also played 18 T20Is and scored 291 runs at an average of 19.4. Chris Lynn could never make it big and wasted away his potential.
6- Corey Anderson
The Kiwi all-rounder Corey Anderson shot to fame with the fastest ODI century in just 36 balls in 2014. However, following this Anderson could never make it big in the international cricket. He played IPL and various leagues but could never contribute significantly with either bat or ball. In 2020, Corey Anderson retired from international cricket but in 2022 announced his desire to play for USA Cricket Team. Anderson played 49 ODIs and scored only 1,109 runs and picked 60 wickets. He played 13 Tests and scored 683 runs and picked 16 wickets. Anderson also played 31 T20Is and scored 485 runs and picked 14 wickets.
7- Unmukt Chand
Unmukt Chand was once called the talent to watch out for. However, the visual of Brett Lee shattering his stumps on a Yorker actually finished his career in India. He could never get going in IPL and failed to capitalise on his talent. Unmukt announced retirement from Indian cricket in 2020. Following this, he played in Minor League and Major League Cricket. Unmukt has also played in Big Bash League and Bangladesh Premier League 2023.