5 cricketers who didn't deserve to win the Man of the Tournament award in a World Cup

1996 World Cup

The likes of Sachin and Aravinda de Silva deserved the award more than Jayasuriya

The 1996 World Cup was known for two things- Sachin Tendulkar shattering all the World Cup batting records and Sanath Jayasuriya starting a new trend on how to approach batting in ODIs.

Sachin Tendulkar scored the most number of runs in, amassing 523 runs in 7 innings at an average of 87 with five 50+ scores. Though India were knocked out in the semis, not even a single batsman came close to Sachin's tally.

Jayasuriya, on the other hand, revolutionized batting in ODIs as he smashed the bowlers during the field restriction overs, starting a new trend. He ended the tournament with 221 runs in six innings at an average of 37 and a strike-rate of 131.5. With the ball, the Matara Mauler accounted for seven wickets at an average of 33 and an economy of 4.5.

Jayasuriya was eventually adjudged as the Player of the Tournament ahead of Sachin but that had a valid reason behind it because the former was instrumental in his team's success in the tournament while the latter wasn't.

But, there was one guy, who had more impact in Sri Lanka's title triumph than Jayasuriya - Aravinda de Silva. The right-hander scored 448 runs at an average of 90 and a strike-rate of 108 with the help of four fifty-plus scores in six innings, including a match-winning century in the final. He took four wickets in the tournament as well.

In all likelihood, De Silva should have been adjudged as Player of the Tournament ahead of his teammate Jayasuriya.