World Cup 2019: Three captains from 2015 edition who will be missed this year

The World Cup in 2015 was indeed a showpiece tournament that saw some of the finest talents take the centre stage, forcing the world to take notice of their potential as the certain flag-bearers for their respective countries in the years to come.

Two great contemporary left-arm quicks in Mitchell Starc and Trent Boult set the stage on fire as they weaved magic with their pace and swing. Players like Steve Smith and Martin Guptill displayed their sheer batting skills to stamp their authority with match-winning contributions that helped their teams go far in the tournament.

While few youngsters rose to the occasion, there were others who were nearing the twilight in their careers. It was fitting that the world was witnessing a subtle transition with the baton being passed on to a younger lot of boys, who were gradually moving up the ranks to make a mark for themselves at the big stage.

It was the likes of Michael Clarke, Brendon McCullum and others, who we were witnessing for one final time at an ICC event.

Let’s talk about 3 captains who will be missed in the forthcoming World Cup in England.

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#1 Michael Clarke (Australia)

Michael Clarke

The world winning skipper Michael Clarke last played in ODI cricket in the final of the World Cup in 2015 before calling it a quit from the international cricket after the Ashes loss in 2015. The 38-year old enjoyed great success in his early half of the career in being a part of an invincible team of the 2000s.

However, after being appointed as the skipper of the Australian team, ‘Pup’ faced tough times in building a team which could play an aggressive brand of cricket.

It was a mixed bag stint for him as a skipper with series losses overseas, a clean sweep over England in 2013-14 and a World Cup win to perfectly draw curtains to his illustrious career for the Aussies.

Being a pro-active captain, he always loved to stay ahead of the game and was known for his much clear on-field tactics that could outfox the opposition. This time around, Clarke will a part of the World Cup but not as a member of the team but as a cricket commentator behind the mic, giving his insights on the game with a hope that the Aussies can defend their World title.

#2 Brendon McCullum (New Zealand)

Brendon McCullum

The flamboyant Kiwi opening batsman Brendon McCullum took over the captaincy reigns from his former teammate Ross Taylor in 2012 in some controversial circumstances after a certain low in New Zealand cricket.

Known as a dasher, McCullum instilled his way of playing the game ever since his appointment at the helm for the Black Caps.

He was instrumental in changing the perception of the young breed of cricketers who were coming up the ranks to represent the Kiwis at the highest levels. His exploits on the field were enough to inflict fear in any opposition. His performances spoke for himself which could lead the way for the youngsters as he turned things with his aggressive brand of cricket. He gave them the teeth and instilled the self-belief to win from any adverse situation.

The highlight of his career saw him leading his side to the Final of the World Cup in 2015 but unfortunately came second against a rampant Australian side.

#3 AB de Villiers (South Africa)

AB de Villiers

One of the biggest upsets of world cricket came in when AB de Villiers announced his sudden retirement from International cricket. After playing a vital role in his team’s home series win against India and Australia in early 2018, de Villiers thought it as the right opportunity to call it a day upon his international career for the Proteas.

This meant that a World Cup that has always evaded the South African cabinet, would remain a dream for one of the most highly deserving white-ball players that the world ever witnessed. De Villiers led the Proteas in the World Cup in 2015, before they bowed out against the Kiwis in the semi-finals in of the most dramatic finishes in a World Cup knock-out game.

When many believed that 'Mr. 360' could well represent South Africa in yet another World Cup edition, he conceded that a World Cup win won’t only justify his achievements as a cricketer.