T20 World Cup and the legends about to participate: Cricket is a very exerting sport and irrespective of all the craze and madness, that tags along it are just an interminable hustle that a cricketer has to do in order to remain at the peak of his fitness.
A few cricketers are there on the scene for a brief period, while others hang around for an overwhelming time span, creating an enviable legacy. Sachin Tendulkar played an overwhelming 24 years to define longevity in cricket.
However, there was a new name in the circuit that didn’t really play as long as fans would have loved to see him play, but his brief stay in the roster that spanned for almost 15 years made ABD one of our favorites.
Since we mentioned ABD and Sachin, we will also tell you stories of five superstars who made their debut before De Villiers and are still going strong.
#1 Chris Gayle
Christopher Henry Gayle aka the Universe Boss made his footfall in the international arena as a middle-order batsman in 1999 against India. His debut was soured because he got out on just 1 run but he evolved with time and created a legacy of ominous sixes to throw out bowlers of the park.
As T20 cricket emerged from the shadows, it had a craze that went around it. Still going strong at 41 years of age, Gayle will be representing West Indies in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
#2 James Anderson
The man who has left India in ruins in the wake of his rampant spells, Jimmy Anderson has been hammering his way through the herculean cricket life for a staggering 18 years now. He made his international debut in an ODI against England and it came in a lost cause. Australia hammered the visitors mercilessly and Anderson was smashed for 46 runs from his 6 overs, forced to be sated with just one wicket.
However, Anderson has come a long way from what he started and his current career haul reads 911 international wickets with his latest spell ravaging India in the first innings of the third Test match.
#3 Shoaib Malik
One of the most illustrious Pakistani cricketers to have ever played this sport, Shoaib Malik is still burning bright at 39 years. He made his international debut in 1999 against West Indies. He made his debut as a spinner and not an all-rounder. He returned rewarding figures of 8-1-34-2 against the Islanders.
Malik will be a crucial figure as Pakistan steps into the T20 World Cup with their campaign beginning against India. The only T20 that India lost to Pakistan, Malik played a pivotal role in the game.
#4 Mohammad Hafeez
Mohammad Hafeez is a man on a mission and has been exceptionally dynamic in his stroke-play and continues exhibiting an aura of scintillating brilliance.
Hafeez made his debut in 2003 against Zimbabwe, opening the innings alongside Taufeeq Umar. His introduction to the game didn’t ring loud with the bat, but his impressive brace with the ball in his hand cemented his position in the national team.
 #5 Dwayne Bravo
Dwayne Bravo started his career on a dank day against England and couldn’t crack a shot at batting. However, his bowling proved to be extremely handy for the West Indians as he claimed Andrew Strauss and Marcus Trescothick.
Bravo announced that he won’t be playing any more international cricket after the T20 World Cup and it was his skipper, Kieron Pollard rolling out the communiqué. He made his debut on 18th April 2004 against England.
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