While every cricket player aspires to play test cricket for his country, only the most gifted and fortunate can seize the opportunity. Even then, very few go on to play over 100 test matches.A lot of cricket players went on to play in excess of 100 test matches for their nation.
However, today let’s take a look at the players who were not able to play 100 Test matches for India. A few well-known players from India were close in participating in over 100 Tests for India, but missed out on the opportunity.
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Take a look at five Team India icons who played less than 100 Tests in their career
5) Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane Team India (Source: Twitter)
After being removed from the list of players under central contract, veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane doesn’t seem to be in the grand scheme of things. Following India’s defeat against Australia at the World Test Championship 2023, Ajinkya Rahane was removed. The Indian cricket legend returned to playing domestic cricket, focusing mostly on the Ranji Trophy 2023–24, in an effort to mount a national comeback. But it looks unlikely that he will be able to feature in 15 more Tests for India
4) Zaheer Khan
Zaheer Khan Team India (Source: Twitter)
Zaheer Khan, was Team India’s premier bowler since his debut. He was one of the side’s main bowlers in almost every Test match that they played. The left-arm fast bowler was able to scalp 311 wickets for Team India in his 92 Test matches. He was one of those players who was destined to play 100 Tests but injury came in his way. The pacer last played a Test for India in Wellington, New Zealand before a tendon injury forced him to pave his way out.
3) Gundappa Viswanath
Gundappa Viswanath Team India (Source: Twitter)
The original wrist-work master was the renowned Gundappa Viswanath, one of the best Indian batters of all time. Viswanath solidified his position as the unchallenged master of Indian batting, ruling the world of cricket. Viswanath, who featured 91 Tests for India and is regarded by many as one of the team’s most versatile players ever. He continued to be involved in cricket even after he retired, taking on numerous roles in the sport. The fact that India did not lose a Test match while Viswanath hit a century is among the most astounding statistics ever.
2) MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni Team India (Source: Twitter)
Former Team India skipper MS Dhoni was sensational for the nation in the longer version of the game. He went on to play 90 Tests in his career but could have played many more if he wanted to. Everyone remembers his abrupt retirement from Test cricket which shocked the cricket world. Age was not at all an issue for him and his wicket-keeping abilities were also near-perfect. It is to be believed that he retired from Tests to focus on white-ball cricket.
1) Mohammad Azharuddin
Mohammad Azharuddin Team India (Source: Twitter)
With an average of 45, Mohammad Azharuddin amassed 6125 runs over his 99 Test matches. He finished his 15-year international career with three consecutive centuries and 9378 runs at 36.92 in ODIs. The former Team India captain was destined to play more than 100 Tests. However, a lifetime ban was imposed on him over match fixing allegations, which were removed later on. Azharuddin has since claimed that he has no regrets about not playing a century of matches, even if he had no idea then that his 99th Test would be his final one.
