In cricket, the 90s are often referred to as the “nervous nineties” – a stage where players are tantalisingly close to a century but face huge pressure to reach the three-figure mark. For some players, this phase is where fortunes change dramatically. Falling short of a century in the 90s can be frustrating, especially when it happens multiple times in a career. In international cricket, several iconic players are infamous for frequently getting dismissed in the 90s.
Here’s a look at the top five cricketers who have had the unfortunate distinction of being dismissed most often in the 90s across all the formats.
1. Sachin Tendulkar (India)
Dismissals in the 90s: 28
Known as “Master Blaster” and one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket, Sachin Tendulkar holds several records but his frequent dismissals in the 90s is a record he would likely prefer to forget. Sachin Tendulkar fell in the 90s a staggering 28 times across Tests and ODIs. With an unmatched ability to accumulate runs, Little Master also displayed a rare vulnerability when nearing a hundred. Despite this, he went on to score 100 international centuries, a record that still stands.
2. Kane Williamson (New Zealand)
Dismissals in the 90s: 14
Kane Williamson who is one of the most reliable batsmen of New Zealand also faced misfortune in the 90s. Known for his resilience and technical skill, Kane Williamson often anchored the New Zealand batting lineup. Unfortunately, he fell short of a century 14 times in his international career. As a player in a team often battling to compete against stronger opponents, his near-hundreds would have been invaluable milestones.
3. Rahul Dravid (India)
Dismissals in the 90s: 14
Rahul Dravid, known as “The Wall” of Indian cricket, was celebrated for his patient and technically sound approach. However, he too was susceptible to the nervous nineties, with 14 dismissals in the 90s across Test and ODI formats. Rahul Dravid’s dismissals in the 90s might come as a surprise to some fans, given his reputation for mental resilience. However, it shows that even the most disciplined players can succumb to the pressure of nearing a milestone.
4. AB de Villiers (South Africa)
Dismissals in the 90s: 14
AB de Villiers, one of the most explosive and innovative batsmen in modern cricket, also had his share of nervous nineties moments, being dismissed 14 times in the 90s. Known for his aggressive style and inventive shot selection, ABD rarely let the pressure get to him. However, as a player who often tried to accelerate the scoring rate when approaching milestones, he occasionally became victim to risky shots or unexpected deliveries.
5. Jacques Kallis (South Africa)
Dismissals in the 90s: 13
Jacques Kallis, one of South Arica’s dependable batsmen in the late 1990s and 2000s, rounds out this list with 13 dismissals in the 90s. Known for his powerful stroke play and aggressive mindset, Jacques Kallis often pushed to convert his scores into match-winning innings. His 13 instances of falling in the 90s highlight the risks he took as a player who prioritised team success over personal records.
The nervous nineties are challenging for even the most accomplished cricketers. Reaching the 90s on numerous occasions demonstrates the skills and consistency of the players talked above and all of them are undoubtedly the legends of the game.
