India, Aug. 27 -- He had nine wickets on first-class debut. He had four wickets on Test debut. He once took all 10 wickets in a Duleep Trophy innings against a batting line-up featuring Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman. At the 1999 World Cup, only one Indian bowler finished with more wickets than him. His distinctive bowling action was even reportedly used as the inspiration for the bowler depicted on that tournament's official logo. Yet, by the time his international career was over, he had played only two Tests and 45 ODIs.

He had barely been around first-class cricket when India came calling. At Eden Gardens in November 1996, the young fast bowler from Orissa began his career with 5/52 against Bengal and finished his maiden first-class mat...