There have been many legendary cricketers who have graced the sport with their exceptional skills. Only a few of them have managed to win the ODI World Cup. Some cricketing greats like Brian Lara never got their hands on the prestigious World Cup Trophy.
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Champion Players Who Never Won an ODI World Cup
Winning a World Cup is the penultimate achievement for any cricketer. However, there are legendary names who missed out on winning a trophy. Let us look at five players who couldn’t add a World Cup trophy to their name.
Brian Lara
Brian Lara, one of the most elegant southpaws, represented the West Indies team in five World Cups from 1992 to 2007. He played some dazzling knocks in the World Cup but couldn’t get his hands on cricket’s most coveted prize. However, West Indies came close to winning the trophy in 1996. The two-time champions reached the semi-finals, losing to Australia by five runs in a thrilling contest.
Brian Lara World Cup Record
Innings |
Runs |
Highest Score |
Average |
50s/100s |
33 |
1225 |
116 |
42.24 |
2/7 |
AB de Villiers
Mr. 360, AB de Villiers, has represented the South African team in three World Cups from 2007 to 2015. Unfortunately, AB de Villiers could never win the ODI World Cup. The legendary cricketer has a stellar record in the 50-over mega event. In the 2015 World Cup, South Africa reached the last four but agonizingly lost to New Zealand.
AB de Villiers World Cup Record
Innings |
Runs |
Highest Score |
Average |
50s/100s |
22 |
1207 |
162* |
63.52 |
4/6 |
Brendon McCullum
Brendon McCullum was one of the most dazzling cricketers of his era. His aggressive batting gave plenty of nightmare moments for bowlers. He played in four ODI World Cups – 2003, 2007, 2011, and 2015. It also includes a World Cup final appearance, but unfortunately, New Zealand lost that final against Australia.
Brendon McCullum World Cup Record
Innings |
Runs |
Highest Score |
Average |
50s/100s |
27 |
742 |
101 |
33.72 |
1/6 |
Jacques Kallis
Jacques Kallis, one of the greatest all-rounders to grace the game, never won an ODI World Cup. He played in five World Cups – 1996, 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2011. In 1999, South Africa missed a World Cup final in one of the most heartbreaking fashions ever to Australia in the semi-final. South Africa also lost another semi-final to the Kangaroos eight years later.
Jacques Kallis World Cup Record
Innings |
Runs |
Highest Score |
Average |
50s/100s |
32 |
1148 |
128* |
45.92 |
1/9 |
Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly is one of India’s most decorated captains. He represented India in three ODI World Cups – 1999, 2003, and 2007- and has an excellent record with the bat in the tournament. In 2003, Ganguly led India to a runner-up finish after making a poor start to the tournament. However, in his last World Cup appearance, in 2007, India failed to progress past the group stage.
Sourav Ganguly World Cup Record
Matches |
Runs |
Highest Score |
Average |
50s/100s |
21 |
1006 |
183 |
55.88 |
4/3 |
Top Players Who Could Win Their First ODI World Cup in 2023
For many players, the 2023 Cricket World Cup could be their last World Cup, while for some youngsters, this is their maiden adventure in the 50-over World Cup. The following is a list of players who could lift their first-ever ODI World Cup trophy in 2023.
While we enjoy cricketers producing mesmerizing performances, seeing them lift the trophy is the icing on the cake. Imagine if Sachin Tendulkar would have retired without lifting the ODI World Cup. It would have been heartbreaking for the player and his fans.
Concluding Thoughts
Many top players have played at the mega event, but only a few have lifted the trophy. The upcoming ICC World Cup 2023 will allow many players to perform at their absolute best and win the most prized possession in cricket.