5 Indian players who made unlikely international comebacks
What's the story
The Indian cricket team is known for its competitiveness and talent. However, comebacks have become rare in recent years due to the emergence of new players and the team management's firm decisions. Age and form often play a role in these decisions, making it tough for even established players to reclaim their spots once replacements are settled. However, few players have managed to turn the odds. Here are five such Indian cricketers who made unlikely international comebacks.
#1
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is the latest Indian player to return to international cricket after a lengthy absence.
The pacer was dropped from India's T20I plans after the team's series against New Zealand in late 2022.
He made a case for his return through his performances in the Indian Premier League, playing vital roles in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's back-to-back title wins.
These performances led to his comeback after nearly four years, and that too at the age of 36.
#2
Jaydev Unadkat
Left-arm pacer Jaydev Unadkat made his international debut in the first Test against South Africa in 2010, but went wicketless after bowling 26 overs.
He had to wait over 12 years to get his second Test cap, when he was called up for the 2022 Bangladesh tour after Mohammad Shami's injury.
Notably, Unadkat missed as many as 118 Tests between his maiden and second match in the format - the second-most for any player.
Before this match, the left-arm pacer's last Team India appearance was in a T20I in March 2018.
#3
Dinesh Karthik
Dinesh Karthik fell out of favor after the 2019 ODI World Cup, and his international career seemed over.
However, the wicketkeeper-batter put up some sensational performances in the 2022 IPL season with RCB and staged a comeback in the T20I side.
He also featured in the ICC T20 World Cup, even pipping Rishabh Pant for the wicket-keeper's spot in the XI.
#4
Parthiv Patel
Parthiv Patel's Team India career, which spanned around 17 years, saw numerous comebacks.
As a 17-year-old, Parthiv made his international debut in 2002 during the Trent Bridge Test against England.
He was part of the Test setup for two years before being dropped in 2004.
After nearly four years, he returned to the side but was dropped again after a poor comeback match in Sri Lanka.
Patel made another comeback after eight years during India's home series against England in 2016.
He finally played his last Test in January 2018 in South Africa.
#5
Ashish Nehra
Ashish Nehra made a stunning international comeback for India at the age of 37.
The left-arm seamer was out of the national team for almost six years before making his return.
His stellar performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL), especially with Chennai Super Kings, played a crucial role in his recall.
He went on to play in the 2016 Asia Cup and T20 World Cup before retiring in November 2017.