The Indian Premier League is the grandest T20 league on the planet with the best players from across the world participating in the tournament every year. IPL started in 2008 with eight teams, and currently, the 15th edition of the league is underway with 10 franchises playing in the competition.
Players like Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma have been a part of every IPL season played so far. However, there are some players who once played in the IPL, went more than 2000 days without playing another and then made a comeback. Here’s a list of such five players.
(Stats Courtesy: ESPNCricinfo)
1. Matthew Wade returned to IPL after 3964 days
Australian wicket-keeper batter Matthew Wade has played in two Indian Premier League seasons, and they were the only two seasons in the tournament’s history to feature 10 franchises. He played for Delhi Daredevils in 2011 and is now playing for Gujarat Titans in 2022.
2. Colin Ingram – 2864 days
Another player who played with Wade for Delhi Daredevils in 2011 and had to wait a long time for another game is Colin Ingram. He played for DD in 2011 and returned for Delhi Capitals in 2019.
3. James Neesham – 2314 days
Regarded by many as one of New Zealand’s best all-rounders, James Neesham played for Delhi Daredevils in 2014 and then his next match came for Kings XI Punjab in 2020.
4. Shreevats Goswami did not play an IPL match for 2183 days
The record for the longest gap between two IPL matches among Indians belongs to Shreevats Goswami. The uncapped wicket-keeper played for Rajasthan Royals in 2012 and then played for Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2018.
5. Anureet Singh – 2153 days
Not many fans would know that Anureet Singh made his debut back in 2009 for the Kolkata Knight Riders. He did not play any matches in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 before donning the Kings XI Punjab jersey in 2015.
