5 players who left the game better than how they found it

Over the years, the game of cricket has dished out greats who even after they have bid adieu to the game have not been forgotten. This is due to their belligerence, their defiance, their astute cricket brains, their bull-minded approach and their superhuman abilities.These players inherited a game they loved, and by their own contributions left an indelible impression both on the game and on the general public. No wonder when they look back at their contributions they will be satisfied with their performances.The fans, on the other hand, will always remember these players with great fondness and will always miss their contributions. These have been impact players who have revolutionised the game and have handed over a game which is in a much more healthy state.There have been many players with the potential of grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck and changing it, for the better. Here, we look at five such players.

#1 Brendon McCullum

Belligerent, brilliant, boisterous Brendon

Brendon McCullum made his international debut against Australia in a One Day international and grabbed immediate attention with his brash and belligerent batting. A flamboyant wicket-keeper McCullum was almost earmarked for greatness.

However, nothing came easy for McCullum as the controversial sacking of Ross Taylor and the subsequent appointment of McCullum drew a clear wedge between two camps. The disastrous start to his tenure only widened the gap as New Zealand was shot out for 45 against South Africa in Cape Town.

However, New Zealand only blossomed under McCullum after this initial setback and made remarkable progress. The aggressive brand of cricket took off and it never toned down. This brand forced the cricket fraternity to sit up and take notice. They became a formidable unit, especially at home.

Under McCullum players like Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson blossomed into world beaters. New Zealand played the first ever World Cup final in 2015.

#2 Adam Gilchrist

Adam Gilchrist change the concept of wicket-keepers

There was a time when wicket-keepers were picked for their wicket keeping skills alone. Any runs with the bat was considered to be a bonus. Enter Adam Gilchrist who grabbed this concept by the horns and transformed wicket keepers to look at themselves as impact players. It is difficult to imagine any single player who has had such tremendous influence impact on the game like Gilchrist.

And the influence resulted in a radical change in an approach of teams worldwide. The result- Mark Boucher, Craig Keiswetter, Jos Buttler, Brendon McCullum, Mat Prior, MS Dhoni, Kumar Sangakkara to name just a view across nations.

Wicket Keepers now could change the course of games at number 7 in tests and could also open the batting in One Dayers providing greater flexibility to batting orders.

Take a bow Gilly for single-handedly revolutionising the game like never before.

#3 Jacques Kallis

Jacques Kallis has set the benchmark for all-round cricket

For people who have not watched Garry Sobers play, Jacques Kallis has been the epitome of all round greatness.

A dismal start to his career, Kallis quickly got into his stride and displayed his potential against Australia in the Melbourne Cricket Ground. This contribution came with the bat, but his numbers with the ball are equally astounding.

Figure this out: Kallis' numbers are a combination of Rahul Dravid and Zaheer Khan. This is some achievement, and hence South Africa to this day are grappling to find that balance that Kallis provided.

An impact player, a player who was willing to grind it out in the middle, a player who gave it all with the ball, and a safe slip catcher, Jacques Kallis was and will always be a player par excellence.

#4 Sir Vivian RIchards

Viv ruled the game with a swag

It is something to sledge, and something else to walk the talk. Sir Viv was an amalgamation of both and he did everything with an envious swagger.

All through the 1970's and 80's Viv was so much ahead of his contemporaries that it is impossible to identify anyone even close to his prowess.

Pace or spin, seam or swing, Viv dismantled bowling attacks and sent them scurrying for cover. Such was his audacity that he never wore a helmet and was ready to look the bowler in the eye even after being hit by a bouncer.

At a time when a strike rate of 60-70s was considered very good, Viv tormented bowling attacks with a strike rate in excess of 90, and did so frequently with an average of 45.

According to the great man, “ I wanted bowlers to know that I am here, I wanted them to be aware of my presence”, and no one could walk the talk like Viv did.

This was done in an era when big bats and small boundaries did not exist and was done with such gusto that Viv can proudly look back and say, “I ruled the game”.

#5 Kapil Dev

Kapil Dev donned several hats with aplomb

It is all due to the outstanding contribution and impact of Kapil Dev that India even to this day continues to hunt for his replacement. He left the game so much richer that even now no proper replacement has been found.

Almost 20 years have passed since Kapil Dev retired but his numbers have not yet been breached. 5,248 runs and 434 wickets has not been surpassed by any player.

The man who led India to their first ever World Cup almost single-handedly won many games for the country. Who can forget that catch of Vivian Richards that changed the complexion of the match completely.

A hero across generations inspired many from small towns to dream big and to chase their dreams.