3 Missed Legends of Indian Cricket
1. Unmukt Chand – The Lost U-19 Legend
🔹 The Beginning of Stardom
Unmukt Chand was once hailed as the next big thing in Indian cricket. After leading the Indian Under-19 team to a glorious World Cup win in 2012, his comparisons with Virat Kohli began almost instantly. With a calm temperament and elegant batting style, Unmukt seemed destined for the senior Indian team.
🔹 Domestic Performances
He started strong in domestic cricket, playing for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy. His technique was solid, especially against pace bowling. Several fifties and hundreds in early seasons showed promise.
🔹 What Went Wrong?
Despite getting IPL contracts with Delhi Daredevils, Mumbai Indians, and Rajasthan Royals, Unmukt couldn’t make an impact in the cash-rich league. He lacked consistency, and his strike rate didn’t impress selectors.
In the era of aggressive batsmanship, his traditional playing style looked outdated. The pressure of expectations, combined with limited opportunities, pushed him to the background.
🔹 Final Goodbye
In 2021, Unmukt announced a surprising decision — he quit Indian cricket to pursue a career in the USA. He now plays in Minor League Cricket in the United States. A player once touted as “the next Kohli” quietly drifted away from Indian cricket.
2. Irfan Pathan – The Star Who Shined Too Early
🔹 Instant Stardom
Irfan Pathan’s arrival on the international scene was nothing short of electric. Discovered by Greg Chappell and made famous under Sourav Ganguly’s leadership, Irfan was a left-arm swing bowler with deadly in-swingers. His hat-trick against Pakistan in Karachi in 2006 is etched in cricket history.
🔹 The All-Rounder Hype
Not just a bowler, Irfan evolved into a handy lower-order batsman. At one point, he was compared to the great Kapil Dev. His versatility gave India balance and depth.
🔹 What Went Wrong?
Ironically, his downfall started when he tried to become more of a batting all-rounder. In trying to adjust his bowling action and focus on batting, his lethal swing and pace dipped. Injuries, team politics, and changing coaching approaches further affected his place.
He was dropped, recalled, and dropped again — never getting the stability a player needs to shine.
🔹 Post-Cricket Career
Today, Irfan is a respected commentator and mentor, but the cricket world still wonders: what if Irfan had stayed focused on his core skill — swing bowling?
3. Manvinder Bisla – The One-Match Wonder
🔹 Knight Rider’s Hero
Manvinder Bisla’s name became famous overnight after he played a match-winning knock of 89 in the IPL 2012 final for Kolkata Knight Riders against Chennai Super Kings. It was a fearless innings under pressure — one that delivered KKR their first IPL title.
🔹 The Hype After the Final
Following that final, everyone expected Bisla to become a regular in the IPL and maybe even push for Team India selection. He was praised for his aggressive intent and big-match temperament.
🔹 What Went Wrong?
Sadly, Bisla couldn’t replicate that performance again. He struggled with consistency and often failed to anchor innings. Despite being given chances in subsequent IPL seasons, his batting average and strike rate didn’t impress.
Additionally, competition in Indian cricket — especially among wicketkeeper-batsmen (MS Dhoni, Dinesh Karthik, Parthiv Patel, Rishabh Pant) — made his path even harder.
🔹 Where is He Now?
Bisla continued to play in minor leagues and tournaments but gradually faded from the mainstream spotlight. His story remains a perfect example of how one innings can define you — but can’t sustain you.
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4. What Do These Stories Teach Us?
🔹 Talent Alone is Never Enough
Each of these players had raw, visible talent — some even tasted glory. But success in cricket, especially in a country like India, demands more than just skill. Consistency, adaptability, mental strength, and sometimes plain luck play huge roles.
🔹 Timing and Opportunity Matter
Many of these cricketers lost momentum due to bad timing, injuries, or stiff competition. In a country with a massive talent pool, one bad season can derail a career.
🔹 Role of Support System
Having the right coaches, mentors, and management support is crucial. Some players may fade due to lack of backing, especially when they’re struggling with form.
5. Can They Still Make a Comeback?
For players like Unmukt Chand and Bisla, a return to Indian cricket seems unlikely. But in the age of global leagues, new doors are opening. Unmukt is performing in USA’s T20 circuit and might end up playing international cricket for them.
As for Irfan Pathan, though retired, his contributions off the field through mentorship (like mentoring Jammu & Kashmir team) show he hasn’t given up on shaping Indian cricket’s future.
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6. Honorable Mentions – Almost Superstars
Here are a few more names that briefly shone but faded quickly:
R.P. Singh: Once India’s leading pacer, lost pace and swing post-2008.
Robin Uthappa: Played many comebacks but never cemented his place.
S. Badrinath: Consistent domestic performer who never got enough chances.
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7. Conclusion: Indian Cricket’s Harsh Reality
India is a land of cricketing abundance — thousands dream, only eleven play. While some shine like Kohli and Rohit, many fade despite equal or better potential. The journeys of Unmukt, Irfan, and Bisla remind us that cricket isn’t just a game of runs and wickets — it’s a game of moments, momentum, and mind.
As fans, it’s important to celebrate not just those who made it to the top, but also those who fought, failed, and still dared to dream.
