Average: 30.76 (86 matches), Strike Rate: 71.23 - While a legend in Test cricket, Laxman's ODI career was underwhelming. His average and strike rate are quite low for a top-order batsman, failing to match the high standards he set in the longer format.
Average: 37.47 (196 matches), Strike Rate: 69.79 | Jadeja was a key part of the Indian middle order and a fantastic finisher. However, his strike rate is quite low, especially for a player known for his ability to accelerate. While his average is respectable, the low strike rate might make him seem less effective than his reputation as an explosive player suggests. He was a great fielder, but just looking at the batting numbers, he might be considered less impactful than some remember.
Average: 29.04 (150 matches), Strike Rate: 61.07 | Shastri played over 150 matches but his average and strike rate are surprisingly low, especially considering his reputation as a solid all-rounder. He was a steady player, but the numbers suggest he didn't dominate games as consistently as his fame might imply.
Average: 25.95 (136 matches), Strike Rate: 74.30 | Robin Singh was a useful all-rounder, but his batting average is very low. While his strike rate was decent, the low average indicates that he rarely played match-defining innings and was more of a contributor than a dominant force.
Average: 24.12 (130 matches), Strike Rate: 60.26 | As an opening batsman and bowler, Prabhakar's batting average and strike rate are both very modest. These statistics do not reflect the significant role he was perceived to have in the team's lineup.
The players listed here are based on a comparative analysis of their ODI batting statistics versus their public reputation. "Overrated" in this context does not mean these players were not skilled or impactful in their careers. It simply highlights that their numbers, when viewed through a modern lens, may not fully align with the high regard in which they are held. These are subjective interpretations of data, and individual opinions may vary.
International cricket, especially in countries like Australia, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka etc, where the fans are very demanding, can disrupt the players’ mental state. Sometimes the selectors end up trusting some players way too many times despite consistent failures, which doesn’t go well with the fans at all.