Cricket often delivers harsh outcomes, and history has seen many legends fall short of their ultimate goal—a World Cup victory. Here’s a list of iconic players who never lifted the coveted trophy:

• Rahul Dravid: Though he recently coached India to a World Cup win, Dravid never secured one as a player.
• Shoaib Akhtar: Despite his blistering pace, Akhtar couldn’t help Pakistan win a World Cup.
• Brian Lara: The West Indies legend is among the greatest, but he never captured a World Cup.
• Jacques Kallis: Regarded as one of cricket’s finest all-rounders, Kallis never won a World Cup for South Africa.
• AB de Villiers: A master of all formats, de Villiers also missed out on a World Cup title.
• Sourav Ganguly: Ganguly led India to the 2003 World Cup final, but they were outplayed by Australia.
• VVS Laxman: Laxman was never part of a World Cup-winning Indian squad.
• Anil Kumble: India’s greatest Test bowler, Kumble, never claimed a World Cup victory.
• Brendon McCullum: McCullum’s dynamic play brought New Zealand to the 2015 final, but they couldn’t clinch the title.