5 Test Cricket Superstars Who Couldn’t Shine in ODIs, Including an Indian Star

In cricket, many players who dominate in Test matches struggle to replicate their success in One Day Internationals (ODIs). While the skill sets often overlap, some cricketers, despite brilliant Test careers, could not make a significant impact in the shorter format. Here are five such stars:

1. Azhar Ali – Pakistan
Azhar Ali has been a stalwart for Pakistan in Test cricket, scoring 7,142 runs in 97 matches with 19 centuries, including a triple century. However, in ODIs, he played 53 matches, scoring only 1,845 runs, with a highest score of 102.

2. Justin Langer – Australia
Justin Langer enjoyed a prolific Test career, playing 105 matches and amassing 7,696 runs at an average above 45, with 23 centuries. In contrast, his ODI career was limited to just 8 matches, scoring 160 runs at an average of 32.

3. Cheteshwar Pujara – India
Cheteshwar Pujara has been a rock in India’s Test lineup. In 103 Tests, he scored 7,195 runs with 19 centuries, playing a crucial role in India’s series wins in Australia. Yet, in ODIs, he featured in only 5 matches, scoring a mere 51 runs.

4. Rangana Herath – Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan left-arm spinner Rangana Herath excelled in Tests, taking 433 wickets in 93 matches, including 34 five-wicket hauls and 9 ten-wicket matches. In ODIs, however, he played 71 matches, claiming just 74 wickets.

5. Nathan Lyon – Australia
Off-spinner Nathan Lyon has been Australia’s key Test bowler, with 562 wickets in 140 matches. But in ODIs, he played only 29 matches, taking the same number of wickets – 29.

These examples show that even the best Test performers may find the transition to ODIs challenging, highlighting the unique demands of limited-overs cricket.