Cricketers Who Made Stunning Comebacks Thanks to IPL

The Indian Premier League has not only provided a platform for young players but has also allowed some out-of-turn careers to resurrect themselves after injuries or even a slow phase. There have been countless names over the years who have taken benefits out of IPL to reignite their careers, catching the eye of the national team, thereby slowly gaining back their lost legacy. Here is a brief about a few biggest names who have turned around their careers, thanks to the IPL.

1. Shane Watson (Australia)

Before joining the Rajasthan Royals in the first season of the IPL in 2008, Shane Watson struggled with injuries and inconsistencies in international cricket. However, his all-round performances in the IPL renewed him into relevance, which included winning the Player of the Tournament award in 2008. He then went on to become a mainstay once again for Australia and later slayed in the 2018 IPL final with a match-winning century for Chennai Super Kings.

2. Robin Uthappa (India)

Robin Uthappa's on-and-off relationship with the Indian national unit was cleared up by his IPL success, putting him back in the spotlight. He represented multiple franchises, but his best was in 2014 with the Kolkata Knight Riders, where he won the Orange Cap and helped KKR win the title. It was this performance in the IPL that saw a brief return for him to the Indian team.

3. Chris Gayle (West Indies)

Before the 2011 IPL, this West Indies player lost his central contract and, in the auction, didn't find a buyer. And then Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) called him a replacement player, and the rest is history. He thrashed the league, culminating in the 175 off 66 balls in 2013, for the highest individual T20 score. His IPL resurgence also saw him returning to the West Indies squad, where he became the winning captain of the 2016 T20 World Cup.

4. Dinesh Karthik (India)

Dinesh Karthik's career has been marked by multiple comebacks, with each of them largely glamorous and IPL nursed. They achieved their greatest delight, owing to IPL 2022, with RCB, wherein he played the finisher role and forced his way back in to India's T20I squad for the T20 World Cup 2022.

5. Pat Cummins (Australia)

Pat Cummins had been tormented by injuries throughout the early stages of his career, forcing him onto the sidelines for years. In 2020, he was bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for ₹15.5 crore, and his performance in IPL assisted him in getting his mojo back. Later, he became Australia’s Test captain and led them to more than one ICC trophy.

6. Rahul Tewatia (India)

Before he hit five sixes in one over against the Punjab Kings in IPL 2020, Rahul Tewatia was an unknown name; he became an overnight sensation when his consistent performance for Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans surely made him one of the top Indian all-rounders in the IPL.