India has produced many legendary bowlers — Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble, Zaheer Khan, Bumrah.
But there’s also a group of quiet warriors who gave nightmares to world-class batters — even if they didn’t stay in the spotlight for long.
Here’s a look back at 6 such forgotten gems 👇
1. Debashish Mohanty
The Odisha pacer was India’s swing sensation in the late 1990s.
His nagging line and seam movement troubled batsmen like Saeed Anwar and Inzamam-ul-Haq.
He even finished as India’s top wicket-taker in the 1999 World Cup — yet quietly faded from the scene soon after.
2. Laxmipathy Balaji
Known for his infectious smile and deadly outswingers, Balaji was a star of the 2004 Pakistan tour.
He dismissed Inzamam and Yousuf with unplayable deliveries and became a fan favourite overnight.
Injuries, though, cut short what could’ve been a stellar career.
3. Venkatesh Prasad
Before Bumrah’s precision yorkers, there was Prasad’s surgical accuracy.
His famous send-off to Aamer Sohail in the 1996 World Cup is etched in cricket folklore.
He consistently outsmarted top batters with his intelligence and seam control.
4. Munaf Patel
Fast, skiddy, and deceptive — Munaf was India’s unsung hero during the 2011 World Cup.
He dismissed big names like Sangakkara and Watson at crucial moments.
Despite his quiet demeanour, he often delivered when it mattered most.
5. Raju Kulkarni
A forgotten name from the 1980s, Kulkarni’s pace and bounce surprised even established batters.
He famously dismissed Viv Richards early in an ODI — a rare feat for Indian pacers back then.
6. Narendra Hirwani
A dream debut — 16 wickets against West Indies in 1988!
Even greats like Viv Richards couldn’t pick his sharp leg-spin.
Though he never replicated that magic consistently, that debut remains one of India’s finest bowling displays.
