5 experienced players could not punch the world cup ticket

2. VVS Laxman

The stylish middle-order batsman from Hyderabad played in the era of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag and Saurav Ganguly. VVS Laxman was a gifted player and known for deft touch much like his Hyderabad teammate Mohammad Azharuddin. He made his international debut in 1996 and represented India for 16 years before hanging his boots. In 134 Test matches, he scored 8,781 runs at an average of 45.5 with 17 centuries. His highest score of 281 against Australia still remains one of the best innings played in a Test match.

His ODI career was though mediocre as he scored 2338 runs in 86 ODIs at an average of less than 31. He scored 6 centuries in his ODI career. He loved playing against the Aussies as 4 out of his 6 ODI hundreds came against the Australian side. His lack of fitness and inability to rotate strike was the main reason why he was not given enough opportunities in the 50-over format. He was all set to feature in the Indian squad for the 2003 World Cup but at the last moment was replaced by Punjab all-rounder Dinesh Mongia.