Vaibhav Arora


2008 was a special year for cricket…special in terms of the on-field contest on display as well as the T20 revolution that gave an entirely new dimension to the game of cricket. The year will also be remembered for the end of years of Australian dominance, an era where they did not allow any other team to even marginally challenge their supremacy and also for the rise of India as the new cricketing superpower.

2008 also witnessed some emotional moments as some of the greatest cricketers announced their retirements from the game. It was a emotional year for Indian cricket in particular as two of the greatest names in its history bade farewell, leaving millions of fans in tears. Both Anil Kumble and Sourav Ganguly will be remembered as people who took Indian cricket to a new level.

The year also saw the departure of legends like Adam Gilchrist, Michael Kasprowicz, Shaun Pollock, Stephen Fleming, Stuart McGill and Jason Gillespie, all of whom did exceedingly well to raise the levels of how the game of cricket is played.
Sourav Ganguly – A man who will probably be remembered as one of the most loved and at the same time controversial characters in the history of Indian cricket. The ‘Dada’ of Indian cricket, Ganguly had the most amazing entry in Test cricket with that famous hundred against England at Lord’s; and the exit was no less talked about as it came when nothing could have been more predictable yet so suddenly that it swept you off your feet.

Often referred to as the ‘God on the off side’ and someone who never gives up, Ganguly will surely be remembered as the captain who inculcated a new found self belief in the Indian team that went a long way in making them true world champions that they now surely have become.
Anil Kumble – Arguably the greatest spinner in the history of Indian cricket, Anil Kumble will be remembered as a true gentleman who is often credited as among those who played a crucial role in reviving the dyeing art of spin bowling.
The man who was labeled as an ordinary bowler by critics right from the first day of his career eventually emerged as the greatest bowler and all because of his tireless efforts and never say die attitude. Kumble’s second and probably the toughest phase of his career came towards the end when he was named captain after Rahul Dravid withdrew. With his ability to lead from the front, Kumble not only guided India out of that lean phase but also made them a unit of true world beaters.

Some of the high points in Kumble’s career include the perfect ten against Pakistan at Delhi in 1999 as well as the 2002 Antigua Test where the courageous bowler came out to bowl with a broken jaw, leaving everyone awe struck.
Adam Gilchrist – One of the greatest modern day cricketers, Adam Gilchrist is one of those rare bunch of players who chose to walk if he knew he had nicked it even if the umpire did not. Who else would have had the courage to walk in an all important World Cup semi-final.
Gilchrist had to wait a long time to get his chance to don the wicket keeper’s gloves for Australia but once he did, he changed world cricket for ever. He had an untainted career that gained the admiration of both present and former world cricketing greats.
His sudden retirement left everyone asking why so soon instead of why not like in the case of a number of other cricketers around the world.
Michael Kasprowicz – A career hampered by injuries, it is said that Kasprowicz could never realise his true potential that he had displayed in the initial years of his career. The 36 year old paceman last played a Test for Australia in 2006 against South Africa.
Kasprowicz represented Australia in 38 Tests taking 113 wickets at an average of 32.88. He also played 43 one-day internationals taking 67 wickets at an average of 24.98.
Kasprowicz will probably be remembered as a sub-continent specialist with fine performances in India and Sri Lanka. With his five wicket haul in the first Test at Bangalore, Kasprowicz helped the Aussies claim their first ever Test series victory in the country after 35 long years.
2004 was the most productive year for the bowler as he took 47 wickets and got selected in the team ahead of Brett Lee.
Shaun Pollock – Since making his debut for South Africa against England at Centurion in 1995, Shaun Pollock quickly emerged as one of the most successful all-rounders in world cricket.
The 34 year old cricketer was one of the major ingredients in making the South African team that for most of the time remained amongst the top three in the International Cricket Council rankings.
The son of Peter Pollock (who spearheaded the South African attack during the 1960s) and the nephew of Graeme Pollock (one of the finest left handers to have played the game), Shaun was thrust into captaincy after Hansie Cronje was removed. While he initially rose up to expectations, the 3-0 drubbing received in the away series against Australia followed by a disastrous World Cup campaign ended his stint as the South African skipper.
A true gentleman who believed in letting his game do the talking, Shaun Pollock’s only criticism could be that he never did full justice to his batting talent.
Stephen Fleming – In a career that spanned over 15 glorious years, Stephen Fleming will always be remembered as New Zealand’s most successful captain and one of their most successful batsmen.
Amongst the plethora of records held by the Kiwi player is the first New Zealander to pass 7000 runs, the most Test caps for the country as well as the most runs (7172) in Test cricket for New Zealand.
While the southpaw retired from ODIs in September 2007, he continued to play Test cricket for a few more months. The Napier Test against England in March 2008 was his last.
Stuart McGill – Probably one of the most unlucky cricketers of modern times, Stuart McGill was a spinner with a perfect action and a huge turn that could bamboozle even the most established batsman. If it hadn’t been his misfortune of playing alongside Shane Warne, McGill would have probably ended with a lot more that his 208 wickets captured in just 44 Tests.