The Big Regret: Legendary cricketers who never won a World Cup

Lifting a World Cup is considered as one of the greatest achievements for any cricketer in his international career. However, there are a handful of cricketers who couldn’t reach this glory in their cricket career even after giving everything to the game.

Let’s take a look at such legendary players who never won the coveted trophy:

Jacques Kallis: South Africa

One of the greatest all-rounders to have graced the gentleman’s game, Jacques Kallis decorated international career finished without a single World Cup trophy. Kallis was a part of five editions from 1996 to 2011. During this period, Kallis scored 9 fifties in 36 matches, along with scalping 21 wickets. In 1999 and 2007, South Africa managed to reach the semi-finals but couldn’t make it to the finals, losing to Australia both times.

Brian Lara: West Indies

Regarded as the modern-day legend of West Indies cricket, Brain Lara had a plethora of international runs under his belt but not a single World Cup victory. This, despite making five edition appearances in 1992, 1996, 1999, 2003 and 2007. The closest he ever got was in 1996 when West Indies reached the semi-finals but were knocked by Australia.

Sourav Ganguly & Rahul Dravid: India

Sourav Ganguly is the man behind making India a ruthless team who could beat any opponent anywhere in the world. However, Ganguly had to bid adieu to the gentleman’s game without any trophy in his cabinet. He featured in three World Cup editions (1999, 2003, 2007) and scored a mammoth 1,066 runs in 22 games. Ganguly led India to the 2003 WC final but had to face a heartbreaking loss against Australia. Another legend, Rahul Dravid, too couldn’t get a trophy under his belt despite featuring in three editions of the mega event.

Brendon McCullum: New Zealand

Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum also features in this list as in his glorious international career of 15 years, he couldn’t win any ICC trophy. McCullum featured in 4 World Cups – 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015. Under him, New Zealand made their maiden World Cup final appearance in 2015. But they ended up losing the final against Australia.

AB de Villiers: South Africa

South African great AB de Villiers is considered as one of the unluckiest cricketers of the modern era. Despite giving his everything to the game, De Villiers doesn’t have a World Cup medal. AB has represented South Africa in three World Cup editions; 2007, 2011 and 2015. Though they reached the semi-finals of 2007 and 2015 World Cups, South Africa couldn’t book a berth in the final.