MS Dhoni led the Indian cricket team to the glory in the rain curtailed final of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013, completing Team India’s treble win 7 overs, including the T20 World Cup and the 50 overs World Cup.
Talking of the Champions Trophy, it is ICC’s one of the three most elite competition that is being played from more than a decade. Just like the ICC Cricket World Cup, the ICC Champions Trophy is played in a four year circle.
After a glorious ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011 at home, the Indian team travelled to England in pursuit of their first ever Champions Trophy. MS Dhoni led team realized the dream as India lifted the Trophy beating England. There were many stars of the success, Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Ashwin, Ishant Sharma etc.
While everyone have remembered the likes of above mentioned players from the campaign, there were a few players in the squad whom probably everyone has forgotten.
Murali Vijay
It was a start of a new stand at the top of the batting order for Team India. After continuously trying Rohit Sharma at the middle-order, he was promoted to opening with Shikhar Dhawan, who was in great form. Meanwhile, that meant that original planned opener Murali Vijay had no spot in the team and didn’t play a major part.
Amit Mishra
Amit Mishra was at that India’s best leg-spin bowler. There was no Yuzvendra Chahal then. While he was a part of the team, but many don’t remember that since Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin were Team India’s main spin bowling option during the tournament. Mishra last featured for India in 2017 and has currently retired.
Vinay Kumar
Team India’s prime pace bowling options in that tournament were the likes of Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Umesh Yadav, which meant that Vinay Kumar, who was selected for the tournament, didn’t get any opportunity and warmed the bench throughout. He played his last International match for India later that year. As of 2022, he is only playing in domestic cricket now.
Irfan Pathan
Ravindra Jadeja was at the best form of his life during that phase when India lifted the Trophy. Thus, that meant that all-rounder Irfan Pathan, who went to England as a backup to Jadeja didn’t get any chances to play in the competition. He is currently working as a expert analyst for broadcasting channel.