Forgotten Heroes of Indian Cricket – A Tribute to the Unsung Legends
Cricket in India has produced some of the greatest names in the sport—Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Kapil Dev, and many others. But behind these legends stand a group of forgotten heroes who may not have stayed in the limelight but were equally important in shaping India’s cricketing legacy. Their contributions were silent, short-lived, or simply overshadowed—but their impact remains priceless.
Let’s take a journey through time and remember the forgotten heroes of Indian cricket who deserve more recognition than they’ve received.
—
1. Syed Kirmani – The Silent Guardian Behind the Stumps
Before MS Dhoni became India’s legendary wicketkeeper, Syed Kirmani was the face of Indian wicketkeeping in the 70s and 80s.
A crucial part of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning team, Kirmani’s glovework was as good as any keeper in the world during his era. He was calm, efficient, and rarely made mistakes. His brilliant partnership with Kapil Dev was instrumental in India’s rise during the early 80s.
Despite his achievements, he rarely gets mentioned when fans talk about India’s best wicketkeepers.
2. Mohinder Amarnath – The Man of Steel
Known for his courage and ability to play in hostile conditions, Mohinder Amarnath was the architect of India’s World Cup triumph in 1983. He was awarded the Man of the Match in both the semi-final and the final—a rare feat in cricketing history.
Amarnath faced the fastest bowlers with bravery and played some match-saving innings for India. He was also one of the few who criticized Indian cricket constructively, earning him the nickname “Comeback Man” due to his repeated returns to the team.
Still, his name often fades in discussions about India’s greats.
—
3. Robin Singh – The Relentless Fighter
Long before Hardik Pandya became India’s go-to all-rounder, Robin Singh was the dependable warrior who gave it all on the field. His commitment, sharp fielding, and ability to finish matches made him a vital cog in the late 90s.
He played over 130 ODIs and was known for rescuing India from collapses. Robin wasn’t flashy but always reliable. His passion for the game and work ethic made him a true team player, though he rarely gets the credit he deserves.
—
4. Amay Khurasiya – A Spark That Faded Too Soon
From Madhya Pradesh, Amay Khurasiya was a stylish left-hander who made his debut in 1999 with a blistering 57 off 45 balls. He had the flair, the shots, and the potential to become a limited-overs star.
Unfortunately, due to inconsistent selections and lack of opportunities, his international career ended before it began. But those who saw his domestic performances knew he was something special. Khurasiya remains a symbol of Indian cricket’s lost talents.
—
5. Debashish Mohanty – The Pace Hope from Odisha
India has long struggled with producing fast bowlers, especially in the 90s. But Debashish Mohanty, with his tall frame and sharp outswingers, offered hope. He was India’s second-highest wicket-taker in the 1999 World Cup.
Often overshadowed by Srinath and Prasad, Mohanty played just 2 Tests and 45 ODIs. He later contributed to Indian cricket as a selector, but his name has almost vanished from fan memory.
—
6. Ajit Agarkar – India’s Forgotten Match-Winner
Ajit Agarkar was India’s fastest bowler for years and held the record for the fastest ODI fifty by an Indian (21 balls) for over a decade. He once took 6 wickets at Lord’s, a dream venue for any bowler.
Agarkar also scored a Test hundred at Lord’s—a rare feat for Indian tail-enders. Despite his achievements, he was often labeled inconsistent and never got the love other cricketers received. Today, fans barely remember his all-round heroics.
—
7. Raman Lamba – The Braveheart with a Tragic End
Raman Lamba was an aggressive batsman who played a few ODIs and Tests in the 80s. His style was similar to Sehwag—attacking from ball one.
Lamba’s career was cut short not by form, but by tragedy. In 1998, he was hit on the head while fielding at short leg in a domestic match in Bangladesh and died from the injury days later. His death shocked the cricketing world, and he remains a forgotten martyr of Indian cricket.
—
8. Sanjay Bangar – The All-Rounder Who Held It Together
Before becoming India’s batting coach, Sanjay Bangar was a hardworking all-rounder. His most memorable moment came in Headingley in 2002, where he scored a gritty 68 and helped India win a rare overseas Test.
Bangar never got consistent opportunities, but his calm presence and ability to adapt made him valuable. His coaching stint with the Indian team also helped players like Kohli and Rohit grow into match-winners.
9. Hemang Badani – The Elegant Left-Hander
Hemang Badani was an elegant batsman known for his timing and smooth strokeplay. His century against Australia in Pune in 2001 was a gem under pressure.
Despite decent performances, he was quickly forgotten as India’s batting line-up evolved. Badani later became a successful commentator and coach, but his playing days remain largely overlooked in Indian cricket’s rich narrative.
—
10. Lakshmipathy Balaji – The Smile That Won Hearts
L. Balaji, the Tamil Nadu pacer, brought joy to Indian fans in the early 2000s. His breakthrough came during the 2004 Pakistan tour, where his wickets and infectious smile became iconic.
Injuries curtailed his career, but Balaji’s brief impact—especially in high-pressure Indo-Pak games—earned him a cult following. His contributions to Chennai Super Kings and domestic cricket continue even today, mostly behind the scenes.
—
Conclusion: Their Silence Echoes Loudly in Indian Cricket’s History
These forgotten heroes may not have the towering records of Tendulkar or Dhoni, but their contributions helped Indian cricket grow during difficult times. They showed up when no one noticed, gave their best without expectation, and faded into the background gracefully.
Remembering these players is not just a tribute—it’s a reminder that every great team is built on the shoulders of those who sacrificed quietly. Their legacy may not shine on front pages, but it echoes in every young cricketer’s journey across India.
