The Fab 5 who have done Indian cricket proud will be missed at the 2015 World Cup

One team but different expectations and different outcomes best describe December 4, 2014 – the day when the Indian selectors announced the 30-man squad for the 2015 ICC World Cup. When Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan, Harbhajan Singh and Gautam Gambhir woke up yesterday, they would not have expected the day to unfold in the manner it did, with them being excluded from the list of Indian probables for the showpiece event in Australia and New Zealand. They were, after all, the architects of India’s World Cup triumph in 2011. Whether or not their non-inclusion marks an end to their glorious careers, only time will tell. But if these great performers are not going to be seen on the field in Indian colours ever again, then a salute to them for their outstanding achievements is the least we can do to acknowledge their contributions. You men did Indian cricket proud.

#1 Gautam Gambhir

One of the most reliable openers India has ever had, Gautam Gambhir will probably not don the India cap anymore. He scored an all-important 97 to help India lift the much-coveted World Cup in 2011. He was also instrumental in India’s 2007 World T20 win. He was an integral part of the Indian team till 2012. After that, however, his journey has been moving along a curvy road. His last ODI for India was against England in January 2013.

The man has gone through a patchy phase without doubt, but the 33-year-old has a lot of experience of playing big matches. Having led KKR twice to title victories and having played well in pressure games (finals) before, his experience and his aggression would have undoubtedly come in handy during the quadrennial tournament.

#2 Virender Sehwag

Despite being one of the most brutal and devastating openers on his day, Virender Sehwag has failed to impress the Indian selectors enough to get the nod for the World Cup. His past accomplishments and exploits have not swung the decision in his favour. He has represented India in 3 World Cup tournaments before and was hopeful of playing this time as well.

"I hope that my name appears in the 30-member strong probables list. Every cricketer wants to play in the World Cup for his country. I also still dream and hope that I play in this World Cup,” Sehwag had said a couple of days before the announcement.

Unfortunately, his recent domestic form was not of the highest quality, and the selectors chose to reward performance over seniority. Though the chance of selection of those outside the 30 is still a possibility, it looks glum for the senior pro who has done India proud on many an occasion with his quality batting and breathtaking strokes.

#3 Zaheer Khan

I still very clearly remember chanting and screaming his name when he ran in and bowled to the Sri Lankan openers in the 2011 World Cup final at the Wankhede stadium. Four years later, the ace seam bowler has failed to make it even to the list of 30 probables. They say that time and tide wait for no man, and that’s precisely what’s happened in Zak’s case too. He was the highest wicket-taker in the previous edition with 21 scalps to his name.

He last played an ODI for India in 2012, and since then has been struggling either due to injury or form. His fitness levels could have been a major factor in the selectors deciding not to pick him.

He has been a great fast bowler for India, and if picked, he would be a great asset to the team, but with a bunch of younger guys raring to go and doing well, his chances of making a comeback look slim.

#4 Harbhajan Singh

The turbanator from Punjab, as Harbhajan Singh is fondly known, is another veteran who has found himself outside the list of probables for the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zeland. Does not being selected here indicate the end of the road for him? Most people would agree with me when I say yes.

He was no doubt an integral part of the 2011 World Cup campaign, but his performance since then has been nothing close to what he is capable of. In and out of the Test side, he last played an ODI for India in 2012.

He has experience, a sharp cricketing brain and a certain positivity and enthusiasm that can be very contagious. A jovial character, Bhajji can turn the atmosphere in the dressing room and, more importantly, a match on its head. But his poor form over a fairly long period and the emergence of younger talent has cost him.

His omission is probably a strong signal from the selectors that this is the end of Harbhajan’s international career as far as they are concerned, a career that has given Indian cricket fans countless moments of happiness.

#5 Yuvraj Sigh

He is one of the most loved Indian cricketers for his batting heroics, match-winning ability and extraordinary performances. Naturally then, the decision of not including him has been met with a lot of shock and disappointment from former players as well as fans.

The Man of the Series in the 2011 World Cup, Out of the senior lot, Yuvraj was the one player who was expected to take a flight to Australia & NZ in February 2015. Yuvi has worked rigorously to regain match fitness after fighting cancer and tried to make numerous comebacks to the Indian side. Unfortunately for him, he has not succeeded, with his performances in the ongoing domestic season not being very appealing either.

With age, fitness and form all against this great player, selectors were probably forced to ignore him. They must have definitely been tempted to give him one last go, but ultimately the Sandeep Patil led selection panel decided otherwise.

Have we seen the last of Yuvraj in Indian colours? Every cricket fan around the world hopes not.