The Worst Indian Cricketers: Misusing Power, Talent, and Influence

Cricket has long been a beloved sport in India, filled with passionate fans and legendary players. However, the allure of fame and the game's popularity unfortunately invite some questionable figures. In this piece, we explore the cricketers who have misused their position, both on and off the field. We'll delve into scandalous practices, examining the careers and actions of some of the worst Indian cricketers to grace the sport.

Mr. Anurag Thakur: Business as Usual in Indian Cricket

One individual who stands out for his questionable actions is Mr. Anurag Thakur, the current Sports Minister of India. He is not just a political figure but also the son of Prem Kumar Dhumal, a former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister. Thakur's entry into cricket leadership began with an unprecedented and controversial appointment.

In the year 2000, Thakur, at the tender age of 25, was made the President of the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association. This was followed by an even more dubious move: his appointment as a BCCI junior cricket selector, despite having no previous cricket experience. His eligibility for the role rested on his Ranji Trophy playing experience, but he lacked the requisite background, making his selection highly questionable.

To prove his capability and to directly benefit his own interests, Thakur took the unprecedented step of announcing himself as the captain of Himachal Pradesh and played a match against Jammu and Kashmir. Unprepared and untrained, he scored a duck and dismissed two tail-enders. This bizarre incident reflects the misuse of power and authority in Indian cricket, highlighting the need for stricter selection criteria.

Joginder Sharma: From Street Bowler to World Cup Contender

In another instance, we have Joginder Sharma, a cricketer whose journey to the national team squad is a story in itself. Sharma, a street bowler from Delhi, found himself in the national team squad for the 2007 World T20. According to sources, he initially gained recognition not for his cricket skills, but for his odd appearance in the nets.

The fact that his rise to the national team was facilitated by Misbah-ul-Haq's selection decision, rather than his own abilities, suggests that there was more corruption at play than just talent. A street bowler in Delhi, Sharma's induction into the team was a testament to nepotism and questionable selection methods. His role in the last over of the 2007 World T20, while technically ensuring India's participation, was also heavily influenced by political and personal connections rather than merit.

Tejashwi Yadav: Son of Politics

Another controversial figure who made his way into the Indian cricket landscape is Tejashwi Yadav. He is the son of Lalu Prasad Yadav, a former political leader and current Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar. Representing Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for four consecutive years, Yadav's cricketing background is equally questionable.

The IPL, known for its stringent selection process, welcomed Yadav into their ranks despite his lackluster performance in domestic cricket. He managed only seven domestic matches, scoring 37 runs and picking up a crucial wicket. His tenure with Delhi Daredevils was not just a waste of resources but also a reflection of the political influence imbued in Indian cricket.

The fact that he even made it to the starting 11 in a match would have been a severe blow to the IPL's reputation, had he managed to perform adequately. However, his presence was primarily due to connections rather than skill, making his rise a matter of concern for the integrity of the game.

In conclusion, these cricketers exemplify the darker side of Indian cricket. Their entries into the sport and their subsequent performance often highlight the pervasive issues of political influence, nepotism, and corruption. It is crucial for the governing bodies and fans to demand transparency and merit-based selection to ensure that future Indian cricketers are chosen based on talent and hard work, not personal connections or political agendas.

Keywords: Indian cricketers, cricket scandals, political influence in sports