The 2000s were a transformative era for Indian cricket. While legends were cementing their legacies, a new generation of players emerged. Some became stars, but others, despite their moments of brilliance, have faded from public memory.
Mohammad Kaif
Remembered best
as one half of the partnership that won India the 2002 NatWest Series final, Mohammad Kaif was more than just that one innings. His unbeaten 87 at Lord's was a testament to his grit under pressure, but his true value lay in his revolutionary fielding. Kaif, along with Yuvraj Singh, transformed India's inner circle, making the team one of the most athletic fielding units in the world. He was an agile and committed presence at point and covers, saving countless runs and taking spectacular catches. He captained the U-19 team to a World Cup victory in 2000 and had a respectable ODI career, scoring over 2700 runs in 125 matches. However, his Test career never quite took off, and with the rise of other middle-order batsmen, Kaif found himself out of the national side by late 2006. He retired from all forms of cricket in 2018, leaving behind a legacy of unparalleled fielding excellence.
Sanjay Bangar
Before becoming a respected batting coach, Sanjay Bangar was the quintessential workhorse all-rounder every captain desires. Primarily a bowling all-rounder in his domestic career for Railways, Bangar’s most significant contribution for India came with the bat. His gritty 68 as an opener against England at Headingley in 2002 was crucial. On a green pitch, he saw off the new ball, laying the foundation for a famous innings victory. Bangar was a key part of the squad for the 2003 World Cup, valued for his ability to bowl medium pace and provide lower-order stability. However, he was never an express pace bowler or a flamboyant batsman, and in an era of specialization, his utility role saw him play only 12 Tests and 15 ODIs for India. His career is a reminder that sometimes, the most valuable players are not the most glamorous.
Wasim Jaffer
While Wasim Jaffer is a colossal figure in Indian domestic cricket, his international career remains a story of 'what could have been'. An elegant, wristy opening batsman, Jaffer made his Test debut in 2000 against a formidable South African attack. After a tough start, he returned in 2002 and showed flashes of his class. His most productive phase came between 2006 and 2008, where he scored five Test centuries, including two double hundreds against Pakistan and the West Indies. He scored 1944 runs in 31 Tests at a respectable average of 34.10. However, inconsistencies and the emergence of openers like Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir meant his Test career was cut short. He went on to become a legend in the Ranji Trophy, becoming the first player to feature in 150 matches and the highest run-scorer in the tournament's history.
Hemang Badani
A stylish left handed batsman and an energetic fielder, Hemang Badani was another product of the early 200s churn. He made his ODI debut in 200 own and quickly made a mark with his busy style of play in the middle order. His sole international century came against Australia in Pune in 2001, a knock that showcased his potential to be a reliable finisher. Badani played much ODIs for India scoringing scoringing scoringing scoringing scoringing scoringing scoringing scoringing scoringing scoringing scoringing scoringing scoringing scoringing scoringing scoringing scoringing scoringing scoringing scoringing scoringing scoringing scoringing scoringing scoringing scoringing scoringing scoringing scoringing scoringing score score score score score score score score score score score score score score score score score score score score score score score score score score score score score score score score score score score
