In 2001, when India won their first away Test series in 15 years after winning against Zimbabwe, it was a tall and lanky bowler from Delhi who caught the attention of everyone. Touted as the most exciting new-ball bowler after his series against Zimbabwe, Ashish Nehra was one of the biggest "what could have been" in Indian cricket. He made his Test debut in 1999 against Sri Lanka and his ODI debut in 2001 against Zimbabwe. As a bowler who could swing the ball at a high pace, Nehra's rise through the ranks was quick. But injuries and inconsistency proved to be roadblocks. He played his last Test in 2004 and was thought to be done and dusted after new bowlers took to the scene. However, his perseverance paid dividends as he came under the radar of selectors after his impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In 2009, he was recalled to the ODI squad. He was part of the 2011 World Cup-winning team as well but couldn't play in the final due to an injury. In 2016, he played a vital role in India's title-winning runs in the 2016 Asia Cup and World Twenty20 tournaments. He retired from all forms of the game in 2017.