5 cricketers who are just remembered for one performance

Cricket has undoubtedly become one of the most watched and popular games since the 20th century. The game's popularity has reached dizzying heights and various T20 leagues across the world have made it one of the lucrative games in the world.

However, not all the cricketers who have played the game have been able to cherish this success on a high note. While some cricketers like Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers have shown their proclivity in a great manner, a lot of cricketers could not sustain their place in the XI and are nowhere near in making a comeback.

But, some of these cricketers have shown traces of their abilities in the past and are remembered only for those magnificent performances. Here, we take a look at those cricketers who we remember for their one significant performance.

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#5 Steve O'Keefe

Steve O'Keefe's spell of 12/70 against India's formidable batting line-up is clearly one of the best spells ever bowled in the history of cricket. O'Keefe single-handedly won the match for the Aussies against India in 2017 as he took bowled a magical match spell of 12/70 which handed India a massive 333-run defeat.

In his injury-ridden career, this feat will be remembered as one of the greatest. He ended that series with 19 wickets and was considered the apt bowler to partner Nathan Lyon in Tests. However, Steve O'Keefe was stripped of his Cricket Australia contract and was omitted from the squad for the successive Test series due to behavioral issues.

He earned a lifeline after he was named as the replacement for the injured Hazlewood against Bangladesh. O'Keefe couldn't make much of an impact and has fallen out of favour with the selectors since then.

#4 Karun Nair

Karun Nair

Karun Nair, the Karnataka batsman left everyone dumbstruck when he scored a mammoth 303* against England at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Nair became only the second Indian batsman to score a triple century after batting maestro Virender Sehwag.

Despite playing a lifetime knock, his career never took as he was dropped after putting up a dismal show against Australia. In spite of performing consistently in the domestic circuit, he hasn't managed to seal the No.4 position in the Test squad.

Despite getting selected for the recently-concluded England Test series, Karun Nair did not get a single chance to prove his mettle and was dropped in favour of Hanuma Vihari. Nair's Test career remains in a cloud of uncertainty as the likes of Hanuma Vihari and Ajinkya Rahane have already made a mark.

#3 Mohammad Irfan

Mohammad Irfan

Mohammad Irfan, the Pakistani bowler has become a household name in T20 leagues across the world of late. Despite making his last appearance for Pakistan in 2016, he still continues to remain a mainstay in various T20 squads across the world.

The left arm pacer caught the attention of a lot of eyeballs when bowled the most economical spell in T20 history against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the recently-concluded Caribbean Premier League. He took 2 wickets and conceded only a single run in his four overs. His scalps include that of modern T20 greats Evin Lewis and Chris Gayle.

Despite all these magnificent performances, Mohammad Irfan's chances of making a comeback to Pakistan squad look slim due to his age.

#2 Robin Peterson

Robin Peterson

Robin Peterson, the left-arm spinner was the unsung hero of South Africa in the 2011 ICC World Cup. He scripted South Africa's victory against India in a highly unlikely scenario. Needing 13 runs off the final over, Robin Peterson scored 4,6,2 and 4 runs in the first four balls and hence secured the win for the Proteas.

His quickfire cameo was remembered for long as he handed the World Champions India their only loss at the 2011 ICC World Cup. This knock also handed him an IPL contract with three-time champions Mumbai Indians.

Throughout his career, he never secured his spot in the XI as the likes of Imran Tahir performed consistently. Robin Peterson retired from all forms of cricket in 2016.

#1 Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik's place in the XI remained unsecured for quite a long time until his quickfire cameo of 29* runs from 8 balls. He became the toast of the nation as he single-handedly won the Nidahas trophy for India from the hands of Bangladesh.

Despite making his debut for India way back in 2004, his career never took off due to the emergence of MS Dhoni. When he came on to bat, India required 34 runs from 12 balls against Bangladesh in the particular match. Karthik took it upon himself to chase it and hit the final ball for a six, thus sealing the trophy to India's name.

The Tamil Nadu wicket-keeper batsman will cherish this knock for his lifetime as this innings played a key role in making him the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders.