India's 2000 Champions Trophy Squad: Where are they now?
India have been participating in the ICC Champions Trophy since its inception in 1998. While the first edition was named Wills International Cup, it was renamed as ICC KnockOut Trophy in 2000, after which it was renamed as ICC Champions Trophy in 2002. Let us have a a look at the Indian squad of the 2000 Champions Trophy and where they are now.
The Squad
Sourav Ganguly (Capt), Vijay Dahiya (Wk), Rahul Dravid, Sunil Joshi, Ajit Agarkar, Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Zaheer Khan, Vinod Kambli, Anil Kumble, Venkatesh Prasad, , Robin Singh, Sridharan Sriram and Hemang Badani.
An experiment by the national selectors
Vijay Dahiya was one of the five wicket-keepers who were tried by the selectors in a period of 16-months. He made his ODI debut at the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy, but could not impress anyone. After retiring in 2006, he became a successful Hindi commentator and was coach of the Delhi Ranji team and then of Kolkata Knight Riders.
From a bowling sensation to a selector
India's third highest wicket taker in the ODIs, Ajit Agarkar's career was cut short due to injuries. After making his name in the international circuit, he led the Mumbai team to a Ranji Trophy victory in 2012-13, before announcing his retirement in October 2013. He was named the chief selector of Mumbai Cricket Association on 26 May 2017.
A consistent domestic player
Sridharan Sriram started his career as a bowler, but then eventually got famous for his batting skills. Though he failed to impress at the international level, Sriram was a consistent player in the domestic circuit. Recently, he was hired as a spin consultant by the Australian team while they were on an Indian tour for a five match test series.
Hemang Badani- A failed fielder
Hemang Badani got in to the Indian team amid the 2000 match-fixing scandal. A sleek fielder, he failed to fix his seat owing to inconsistency. The 40-year old was selected by Chennai Super Kings in the IPL in 2010, but did not play any match.
The passionate all-rounder
Sunil Joshi's bowling figures of 10-6-6-5 against South Africa still remains the best by an Indian. Joshi took up coaching after his retirement in 2012 and was a spin bowling coach for Oman and Jammu and Kashmir cricket team. He guided Jammu and Kashmir team to a victory against Ranji giants Mumbai in 2014-15. He is currently the coach of Assam cricket team.
A comeback player
Having made a comeback in the Indian ODI team nine times in his career, Kambli played his last ICC tournament in 2000. Kambli played his last test before turning 24, though he only announced his retirement from international cricket 14 years later in 2009. He had a failed career in politics after his retirement and also tried his hands in the movie industry.
An important part of the Indian team in 1990s
Robin Singh was part of the Indian team until 2001, thanks to his fielding skills. A better-fit as a one-day player, he was known to bat down the line. After his retirement, Singh took up coaching and coached Indian team between 2007 and 2008. Since 2009, he has been the batting coach for the IPL team Mumbai Indians.
Venkatesh Prasad
Prasad played an important role in India's run to the finals in the 2000 tournament. However, a year later he retired and was bowling coach for India along side Robin Singh. He is now the President of India's Junior Selection Committee.
Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid
While Ganguly captained the team in the tournament in 2000, he is currently the president of the Cricket Association of Bengal. He is also a part of BCCI's coach selection committee. Rahul Dravid took up coaching post retirement and was named the coach of India's U-19 team and A team. Sachin Tendulkar hasn't also left the game after his retirement and mentors Mumbai Indians.
India's most successful bowler
Anil Kumble has been one of the most active players in the Indian cricket after retirement. He took up coaching for Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore and was later selected as the head coach for Indian cricket team. He has guided India to five series wins since his selection last year. Kumble also holds an important position in the ICC.
Yuvraj Singh and Zaheer Khan
Both Yuvraj and Zaheer made their international debut in the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy. While Zaheer retired from international cricket in 2015, Yuvraj is still a part of the Indian team and will be playing in the upcoming Champions Trophy. Yuvraj is the only cricketer from the Indian squad of 2000 tournament who is still a part of the Indian team.
