1. Irfan Pathan
The 36-year-old left arm all-rounder was a store of talent and was considered the next best Kapil Dev. Irfan was a monster with the swinging new ball and was a threat to many batsmen. However, the failed to be in the playing XI due to multiple captaincy changes during his time. During his playing time the responsibilities of captaincy changes hands from Dravid to Dhoni. Dhoni used him as a bowling all-rounder. But since 2012 he failed to make it to the squad due to a dip in form. In 29 test matches he has picked up 100 wickets at an average of 31.27. Irfan had a lot in his arsenal but the captains failed to bring out the most of him.
2. Ambati Rayudu
In the year 2001 when Rayudu was 16 years old, the pundits called Rayudu the “next big thing in Indian cricket”. In 2004 he was included in India’s U19 team and was also given the responsibility of a captain. Rayudu for a long time played for Mumbai Indians in the IPL. In the auctions of 2018, he was bought by Chennai Super Kings. In 55 ODIs, Rayudu scored 1694 runs at an average of 47.06. Rayudu has always been unlucky when it comes to getting selected in the Indian team. When the 2019 WC squad was announced, Rayudu retired because he was not included in the squad.
3. Manoj Tiwary
In the 2006-07 Ranji trophy season, Tiwary scored 796 runs at a whopping average of 99.5. In 2011 Tiwary made it to the squad replacing injured Rohit Sharma. He made his maiden ODI century against West Indies in Chennai. But Tiwary was so unlucky that he was benched after that series. His performances in the domestic side enabled him to get selected in the 2012 T20 World Cup. But this time injury came in between. Tiwary is 35 now and he is currently into Politics.
4. Robin Uthappa
Robin Uthappa was consistent in 2005 and 2006 for India B. Uthappa on his debut scored 86 runs in Indore which gave him a chance to play in the 2007 T20 World Cup. He was a part of the CB series in Australia in 2008 which was won by India. But his form dipped in the year 2008 and the inclusion of Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina made it difficult for him to be included in the squad once again. However, in 2014 IPL season the tables turned. He won the orange cup scoring 660 runs. However, his form dipped once again and it was impossible for him to make it to the Indian side.
5. S. Badrinath
Badrinath was a savior for CSK in the initial editions of the tournament. In 2007 Badrinath scored piles of runs against Zimbabwe and Kenya. He was selected for the national side to play against Australia. However, he was unable to play in a single game. In the same year he 659 runs at an average of 65.90 in the domestic season. He made his debut for the Indian side in 2008. He played brilliantly against Muralitharan and Mendis. However, after that series he was dropped from the national side. He was included in the squad to play against Australia in 2008 but could not make it to the starting XI.