5 Indian players who faded away

India is a powerhouse in the world of cricket. The way this team has performed across all three formats consistently is impressive. Credit goes to the players who have represented the country over the years.

But some players came into the spotlight and then faded away. Some performed well but couldn’t hold their spot. Others lacked consistency and slowly disappeared from the scene. Many fans have even forgotten their short stint in the Indian jersey.

Here are five Indian players who faded away:

Karun Nair

The 33-year-old batter is currently playing in IPL 2025 for Delhi Capitals (DC). Karun Nair made his international debut in 2016 and played across two formats—Tests and ODIs. His last match for India was in 2017.

In six Tests, he scored 374 runs at an average of 62.33, including a memorable unbeaten 303 against England in Chennai. But apart from that knock, he couldn't cement his place. In two ODIs, he scored only 46 runs.

Nair recently impressed with consistent scores in domestic tournaments across different formats. As per reports, he might get considered for a return to the India A side, if not the national team, for the upcoming tour of England.

Jayant Yadav

Jayant Yadav is an off-spinning all-rounder who made his international debut in 2016. His last appearance for India came in 2022. He played six Tests and two ODIs during this period.

In Tests, he took 16 wickets, including a four-wicket haul, and scored 248 runs at an average of 37.00. His highest score, 104, came against England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. In ODIs, he managed just one wicket. Jayant is yet to announce his retirement.

Abhinav Mukund

The left-handed top-order batter from Tamil Nadu made his debut in 2011. His last international match came in 2017. Abhinav Mukund played seven Tests, scoring 320 runs at an average of 22.85, with two fifties.

Although he has a solid domestic record—10,258 runs in 145 first-class games at an average of 47.93, including 31 centuries—he hasn't returned to the national side and is unlikely to do so now. Still, he hasn’t officially retired.

Rahul Sharma

Rahul Sharma was a leg-spinner who had a brief run in the Indian team. He made his debut in 2011 and played his last international match in 2012.

In four ODIs, he took six wickets, and in two T20Is, he grabbed three wickets. After that, he couldn’t make a comeback and eventually retired from all forms of cricket in 2022.

Ambati Rayudu

Rayudu was once a key middle-order batter for India, especially in ODIs. He made his international debut in 2013 and played both ODIs and T20Is.

Before the 2019 ODI World Cup, Rayudu seemed to have sealed the No. 4 spot in the lineup. He was given many chances and played some important knocks. But he was left out of the World Cup squad. Following that snub, he retired from "all forms and levels" of cricket.

Rayudu played 55 ODIs, scoring 1694 runs at an average of 47.05 and a strike rate of 79.04, including 10 fifties and three centuries. In six T20Is, he managed just 42 runs at an average of 10.50.

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