The 40th Match of the ICC Cricket World Cup was played between India and Bangladesh on Tuesday. In this match, Dinesh Karthik got to feature in India’s Playing XI. With this, Karthik played his first World Cup match in his 15-year long career.

Although Karthik was named in the 15 member squad in 2007, with Dhoni in the team, wicketkeeper-batsman Karthik was not able to be a part of the XI in any of the matches.

4 Indian players who never played a World Cup despite impressive records

VVS Laxman

India’s “Very Very Special” player, VVS Laxman, could never feature in a World Cup game for India. Laxman is often counted as one of the best batsmen that India have produced, however, he failed to feature in a World Cup playing XI.

Laxman made his debut in 1996 and his career saw India participating in three World Cups but he could not feature in any one of them.

Laxman, however, is known for his Test match genius. His 281 against Australia at the Eden Gardens in 2001 is perhaps one of the most influential innings in the history of Indian Cricket and one that changed the way Test Cricket is played and perceived.

Ishant Sharma

Playing international Cricket for 12 years, Indian fast bowler Ishant Sharma also never featured in a World Cup squad. Sharma made his debut against South Africa in 2007.

Since then he has played 80 ODIs for India and has picked as many as 115 wickets. However, playing a World Cup for India still remains a dream for him.

Sharma continues to feature in Test match cricket for India.

Cheteshwar Pujara

At one point of time, Cheteshwar Pujara was seen as the next Rahul Dravid. Although Pujara plays in a similar style in Test match cricket, he has failed to replicate Rahul Dravid’s success in the 50 overs format.

Pujara scored just 51 runs in 5 ODI matches and has never been considered for an ODI spot ever since.

Amit Mishra

Perhaps one of the most underrated cricketers in India is Amit Mishra whose record speaks for himself in the limited opportunities that he has got.

It was only when Anil Kumble got injured that Amit Mishra could finally make his debut for India. Mishra was the pick of the bowlers for India in that test, picking up 5/71 in the first innings and 2/35 in the second. However, despite his great performances, R Ashwin was selected for the 50 overs format.

Consequently, Amit Mishra could never feature in a World Cup for India.