I was reading the answers, saw many great names too and I agree with all. But no one has mentioned the name of a cricketer who could have become great until his career was ended by a dreadful injury.
This man:
He is Saba Karim, the Indian wicket-keeper batsman. Not many will remember him, but I have followed cricket since long, and hence knew his potential.
- He was a replacement for Nayan Mongia, the then best Indian keeper-batsman.
- His wicketkeeping skills were better than many other international keepers. He was quick and cool.
- Became popular for his easy 6 hitting capability and was a quick run getter. Made 55 in his debut match.
- He is the only cricketer Bihar can boast of. Thanks Pranav Prakash for bringing this up.
The injury:
- In a limited over match against Bangladesh, he was keeping close to the wicket and was hit on the eye by a bouncy spinner of Anil Kumble. After his treatment it was declared that he had played his last match due to permanent impact on his vision.
- After this incident, the ICC and BCCI made the helmets mandatory for wicket keepers in international matches if they are standing near the wickets.
- Wicket keepers introduced then as his replacement, like Ajay Ratra and Vijay Dahiya were not as efficient as him and were finally taken over by Rahul Dravid, Parthiv Patel & Dhoni.
Just think that how many wicket keepers have saved their careers after this incident, just because of a helmet. His bright career was cut short into 34 ODIs and just 1 test.
He still is serving cricket as an expert and national selector from east zone.
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