CWC 2019: Four fan favorites who will be missed in this tournament

Despite lack of runs, fans called for the inclusion of Yuvraj Singh
Despite lack of runs, fans called for the inclusion of Yuvraj Singh

Sport is a phenomenon which brings joy not only to the person who plays the game but also to the people who watches it. The fact that a player or a team seen as a representative of a country fuels the fan to support the player to the fullest.

Cricket is no different and in the last decade or so the country with a huge fan base has grown immensely. The support of the fans in a stadium instigates players and with this pressure, great players take their performance to the next level.

Every fan would want to witness their favorite player win games on the big stage like the Cricket World Cup. Although there are many great players who will be in action in this World Cup, a few players have been left out which has disappointed the fans. Let's look at four players who will be missed in this World Cup.


#1 AB de Villiers

AB's retirement call shocked the fans
AB's retirement call shocked the fans

There are very few players in the cricketing arena who are liked by every fan of the game. AB de Villiers tops that list with his audacious batting display. The South African has been phenomenal in the last few years in all the formats.

It was the right-hander who stood between India and their first ever Test series win in South Africa in 2018. But it was his batting in the colored clothing that has earned him a plethora of fans. He holds the record for the fastest 50 (16 balls), 100 (31 balls), and 150 (64 balls) in ODI history.

Under his leadership, South Africa qualified to the semifinals of the 2015 World Cup. It was a case of near yet so far as they suffered a heart-breaking loss at the hands of New Zealand. 2019 was seen as an opportunity to lay hands on the trophy but after IPL 2018, AB announced his retirement which shocked the fraternity.

Calls have been raised for his comeback, but it is unfortunate that we won't see the 360-degree batsman in this year's World Cup.

Also read - Most centuries in world cup

#2 Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj scored his career-best ODI score in 2017
Yuvraj scored his career-best ODI score in 2017

If we pick an all-time ODI XI for India, then Yuvraj Singh could walk into the line-up. The southpaw was one of the cleanest hitters of the cricket ball as it is impossible to stop him if he is in form.

The Punjab-lad was the man of the series in India's World Cup triumph in 2011. His bat yielded 362 runs but the biggest impact was his slow left-arm spin which fetched 15 wickets. No one could forget his contribution in the inaugural T20 World Cup with his six sixes against England being the lynchpin.

After being out of the side due to cancer, India hasn't had a stable No. 4. That was the primary reason why he was called back for the spot for 2017 Champions Trophy. Fans had a slightest of hope to see him in the World Cup when he started off IPL 2019 with a half-century.

But Mumbai Indians left him out even at the expense of Siddhesh Lad and Ishan Kishan. Fans expressed their disappointment over his exclusion as he is reportedly contemplating retirement.

#3 Rishabh Pant

Pant's fearless batting has earned him a huge reputation
Pant's fearless batting has earned him a huge reputation

Right from the day, he burst onto the international arena, Rishabh Pant has been on a vertical growing trend. The U-19 World Cup in 2016 showed a glimpse of his hitting prowess as he smashed the fastest fifty off 18 balls in U-19 International history.

Indian Premier League then elevated him to the next level as he scored a 25-ball half century in his third match. The next season saw his 43-ball 97 help his team chase 214 with three overs to spare. He was fast-tracked to international cricket when he was given his T20 debut at the age of 19.

What turned out to be a surprise was his rise as a Test match batsman. His temperament has been questioned, but his knocks at The Oval and SCG have shown his ability. With India's conundrum at No. 4 in ODIs, the Roorkee-lad is seen as a possible choice as he was playing at that spot for Delhi.

But selectors have left him out which not only disappointed the fans but also the likes of Michael Vaughan. Unless there is an injury concern, Pant won't be playing in this World Cup.

#4 Dwayne Bravo

Bravo is in the WC reserves list
Bravo is in the WC reserves list

Dwayne Bravo is loved by fans from all over the world because of the brand of cricket he and West Indies have displayed. The flair with which he plays is a joy to watch. Not to forget his dance moves to the calypso beats which has attracted millions.

An attacking option with the bat, his ability to manufacture shots to score in unusual areas makes him a difficult customer to contend. That is why he has been successful in T20 franchise cricket all over the world. But over the years teams have picked him for his bowling as he poses a rare set of skills and self-confidence to execute them.

From off-cutters to dipping slower balls captains bank on him to deliver in pressure situations. A fallout with the administrators resulted in his ousted from Windies team in 2014. Although he was picked for T20Is till 2016, the board has overlooked him since them.

But there seems to be a change as he has been named as a reserve for the upcoming World Cup despite Bravo announcing his retirement in 2018. But it is highly unlikely that we might see him in Windies colors.

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Edited by Aditya Joshi