Most of the Answers here mention Batsmen.
I Wish To Differ
My Pick is Indian Fast Bowler JAVAGAL SRINATH
WHY HIM???
First Let us Have a look at his Statistics
NOW REASONS
- Highest Wickets by an Indian Fast Bowler in ODI
- Highest Wicket taker for India in World Cup Cricket
- Could bowl consistently with speeds even touching 150 kmph
- 2nd fastest Indian Fast Bowler to 200 Test Wickets
- Average is the 3rd best among all bowlers taking more than 100 Wickets for India
- Had one of the best strike rates as an Indian bowler
- Most 5 wicket hauls for India in ODI
- Bowled a delivery at 154.5 kmph(fastest ever recorded by an Indian)
- 11th on the list of all time highest wicket takers in ODI and 2nd Indian on that list
- Gentleman of a person
CAREER DEFINING MOMENTS
- Demolishing South Africa
In 1996 South Africa were favourites to win requiring just 170 of the Fourth Innings in Ahemedabad. Javagal picked up 6 wickets for just 21 Runs and won India home. Who would have thought a fast bowler in the Fourth Innings on an Indian pitch could be so lethal?
- Did they Pull that Off??
In 1996 vs Australia in the Titan Cup. 216 was the target given to India.India were reduced to 164/8 requiring 52 in 8 overs.He saw India home with 30 runs from 23 balls with Anil Kumble scoring 16.India went on to lift the Titan Cup beating South Africa in the Finals.Such unlikely victories boost your morale,don’t they?
- Rattling the Top Order
Singer Cup ODI of 1996 and the target for Sri Lanka was a meager 200. Sri Lanka were reduced to 23/4 and Srinath picked up 4 for 35.India won by 12 runs.He once again proved to be an asset for India.
- South Africa Again???
2nd Test match of 2001.India had lost the previous one.A six wicket haul for 76 saw India to a good start but the batsmen could not capitalize and the match was drawn.
and many more….
WHY DO I FEEL HE IS UNDERRATED AND WHY HE SHOULDN’T BE
- Never been looked as an Iconic Player of the 90’s (Most People preferred Batsmen over Bowlers)
- Played for India at a time where he did not have quality bowling partners
- Let us name the top 15 highest wicket takers in ODI
(M.Muralitharan,W.Akram ,W.Younis , C.Vass,S.Afridi ,S.Pollock, G.McGrath,B Lee,A Kumble,S Jayasuriya , J.Srinath ,D.Vettori , L.Malinga ,S Warne,S.Mushtaq)
My Point is how relatively well known the others are?
He is a Pure Gentleman of the game.How many Fast Bowlers would you put into this category?
He has been serving as a ICC Match Referee currently
He should be given the Appreciation he widely deserves.
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