Finding a place in a World Cup squad has never come easy to players from Tamil Nadu. The state has started providing a regular supply to the national team only recently and though it is a little hard to believe, R. Ashwin is only the seventh player to book a place in the Indian World Cup squad. Medium pacer Sunil Valson (1983) and off-spinner Ashish Kapoor (1996) have also represented Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy but played for other states during the particular season when they were selected for the World Cup.
S. Venkataraghavan (1975 & 79)
The owner of one of the longest cricket resumes in the country played in only 15 ODIs but six of them came in the first two editions of the World Cup in England. The honour of leading the country in the inaugural World Cup also went to Venkataraghavan. Though his record in the event is nothing to write home about, a sense of history will always be associated with his name. The veteran also went on to officiate as an umpire in three World Cups.
Kris Srikkanth (1983, 87 & 92)
If not for his highly enterprising 38 against the all conquering West Indian pace battery, Indian cricket might not have had their most famous folklore. The dashing opening batsman announced himself on the world stage with an innings that only he is capable of. Apart from playing a crucial hand in the famous triumph in 1983, Srikkanth also played a few swashbuckling knocks in the 1987 edition when the event moved out of England for the first time. An entertaining career came to an end at the 1992 World Cup but not before providing brief sparks both with the bat and in the field.
L. Sivaramakrishnan (1987)
The selection committee had to endure more questions than ever before when a totally out of rhythm and low on confidence Siva was picked for the Reliance World Cup. A solitary appearance against Zimbabwe was proof on why the public outcry was right. The tournament also turned out to be the leg-spinner’s swansong and one of the greatest talents in Indian cricket went to oblivion.
Robin Singh (1999)
The gutsy all-rounder who was in the wilderness for nearly seven seasons after his international debut was actually one of the key members of the 1999 campaign in England. Vital runs in the slog against Pakistan and a five-wicket haul against Sri Lanka in Taunton were the highs. His fielding was a definite asset to a side that boasted of good balance but failed to perform well as a unit.
S. Ramesh (1999)
A heady start to his career against a highly penetrative Pakistan attack, saw Ramesh book his World Cup berth. The opener did not set the Thames on fire but had his moments under the sun. The opening wicket stand against Pakistan against a rampaging Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akthar was the ideal base India required in a high pressure game. The left-hander wasted a few useful starts but never looked out of place in conditions that were loaded in favour of the bowlers.
Dinesh Karthik (2007)
Making the squad as the second wicket-keeper, Karthik failed to break into the playing XI. A proud moment nonetheless for the youngster who made the cut. If India had progressed past the first round, he might have well got a look in but sadly that was not to be.