Cricket is a sport that gives fans and enthusiasts joy as well as heartbreaks from time to time. It keeps supporters on the edge always and even one-sided matches can have an effect on the mental health. The nerve-ending contests are the ones that tend to keep fans engaged but by the time the result comes, it can be a mixed feeling altogether.
This is just how the fans might have felt after watching the games. However, players are the ones whose mental health takes a toll. Being involved in the biggest clashes is a feeling of pride but losing those games can give a feeling of disappointment. There have been players that have lost the biggest of matches on multiple occasions and are often deemed as unlucky.
5 unluckiest cricketers of all-time
1) Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib Al Hasan (Source: Twitter)
Shakib Al Hasan has been the pinnacle of Bangladesh cricket for a number of years now. He has been at the forefront of things in Bangladesh cricket. Being an all-rounder and the skipper, his role has been thrice more than the other players. The pressure has always been on him to perform in the toughest of situations.
The all-rounder is looked upto as an idol in the country for his magnificent efforts. Shakib has been part of some of the most glorious victories of his country against the biggest teams. But also he has seen the downfall closely. He has never been able to win any trophy for the nation. He has come close a few times, especially during the Nidhasa Trophy in 2018.
2) Ab de Villiers
Ab de Villiers (Source: Twitter)
One of the most unluckiest cricketers of all-time has to be Ab de Villiers. The number of times he has been on the losing end of major games is staggering. He has given everything for his side with the bat as well as in the field. However, the former batter saw himself on the losing end of crucial games more often than not.
In contrast to other batters, AB de Villiers had a remarkable skill with the bat. Fans enjoyed watching him bat because he had a remarkable ability to execute shots that others could not possibly envision. His ability to play a variety of sports well demonstrated his athletic ability. Although, this did not result in glory for his team at all which stung him a little bit.
3) Brendon McCullum
Brendon McCullum (Source: Twitter)
The opener who did not fear anything at all and did not care about the form or ability of the opposition at all. Brendon McCullum has to be one of the most fearless and attack-minded players to have ever graced the beautiful game. His attacking starts at the top in the 2015 ODI World Cup gave the team the much needed momentum.
However, his team always came up short in the biggest stages of them all. His performances in all formats of the game have been iconic. Although, this did not transform into team results as New Zealand came up short at crucial junctures of the game. He was not able to win a single major trophy with his country and would be a thing that might hurt him still a little bit.
4) Rahul Dravid
Rahul Dravid (Source: Twitter)
Amongst one of the most under-rated players and tacticians of the game has to be Rahul Dravid. He was one of the players who always used to step up for the side in the biggest stages of them all in any format of the game.
People tend to forget his captaincy tenure during the early 2000s. This is because Indian fans do not want to recall the infamous exit from the 2007 World Cup. India achieved a few noteworthy victories abroad and saw a significant improvement in ODI pursuits during his tenure. More significantly, though, with his leadership, young players like Dhoni, Gautam Gambhir, and Yuvraj Singh continued to gain confidence.
5) Dale Steyn
Dale Steyn (Source: Twitter)
The former speedster from South Africa has been part of the rise and falls of South African cricket. No cricket fan can forget their elimination from the 2015 Cricket World Cup. Dale Steyn was a key player in the Proteas’ 2015 semi-final loss against New Zealand’s Grant Elliott, who provided a thrilling finale to eliminate the team from the competition.
Injuries were also not kind to the fast bowler as it halted his career more often than not. His shoulder has seen a lot of issues over his long career. But that did not stop him from giving his 100% for the team. He and his side came up short on most occasions and that has left a big hole in his heart forever.
