Aashish Kapoor was a handy offspinner, who when needed, also opened the batting in domestic cricket. Kapoor was a part of India's 1996 World Cup squad that reached the semi-final. Unfortunately, after India lost in the semi-final against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens, he was largely ignored by the national selectors.

If we look back at Kapoor's career, he came through the ranks and made his debut for Tamil Nadu in 1989-90. Despite having a sterling season in domestic cricket for Tamil Nadu in 1990-91, he wasn't exactly a regular member of the side. It was only after he moved over to Punjab during the 1993-94 season, that the selectors began to take notice of his skills.

Kapoor's ability to beat the batsman with flight and guile won him a place in the Indian team for a Quadrangular tournament that took place in New Zealand. He had his moments especially in the ODI series against New Zealand just before the World Cup. However, it always felt as if, selectors were looking at him as a stop-gap option. Kapoor also played in four Tests, but with limited success. Lest we forget that Kapoor made a name for himself as a batsman in First-Class cricket. He compiled three centuries and 19 fifties.

By Bharath Ramaraj