Despite being one of the most consistent performers on the domestic circuit, Sridharan Sharath couldn't step up to the international stage. He was unlucky that his prime coincided with a period when India's middle order - with the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman - was packed with immense talent. Sharath didn't possess an immaculate technique, was disproportionately built - with clumps jutting out at the waist - and made batting look like hard work. In many ways he was Indian domestic cricket's Arjuna Ranatunga - the man for a crisis, the cool head under pressure, the hardworking artisan in a side packed with artists. For 15 seasons since 1992, he had amassed 8390 runs at an average close to 52. He became the only Tamil Nadu player to play 100 Ranji Trophy games and celebrated the moment with a century against Saurashtra in December 2006. He announced his retirement a month later, but reversed his decision ahead of the next domestic season, accepting an offer to represent Assam.
Siddhartha Vaidyanathan (October 2007)