IPL 2022 was increased to 10 teams this season which meant that Indian cricket’s depth would be put to test. This season was bound to give chances to some young names as well as to some veterans of the game. This season saw some experienced campaigners make a stellar comeback with their performances. These names were either written off or were not given enough chances by their previous IPL teams.
Here we look at the veteran players who have registered a stellar comeback in the IPL 2022:
4. David Miller
Ever since his phenomenal debut in 2013 for the King XI Punjab, Miller has failed to show consistency and win games for his side. The aggressive left-hander has played just a handful of games in the previous season and even missed some seasons as no team was interested in bidding for him.
But Gujarat showed faith in the veteran cricketer and he delivered big time. Miller has been in red hot form this year. He singlehandedly took Gujarat over the line against CSK with his blistering 94* and played a pivotal role in the chase against RCB along with Tewatia. Miller is one of the pillars of GT’s batting order and the reason why they are ruling at the top of the table.
3. Umesh Yadav
Umesh Yadav was a part of the DC set up last year but did not even get a single game in the previous season. Also, in 2020, Umesh was not their trusted pacer as he played just a handful of games. In the auction, after going unsold initially, Umesh was picked up by his former IPL team, Kolkata Knight Riders.
Umesh did not disappoint as he showed an instant impact and lit up the IPL in the first game itself. He was the purple cap holder in the initial games of the IPL and has even contributed with the bat. Umesh has won KKR a couple of matches due to his fiery opening spells and showing that he still has gas left in him.
2. Kuldeep Yadav
Until a year and a half ago, Kuldeep was written off and it looked like the career of the promising left-arm legspinner had come to s standstill. His former IPL franchise KKR did not show faith in him and didn’t give him the confidence to come back. He was dropped from the side and was not given a single game in 2021. He ultimately suffered an injury and the future looked bleak for the youngster. However, Delhi Capitals ignited a fire in Kuldeep as he has taken the IPL by storm.
Kuldeep’s comeback story has to be the sweetest one of the IPL. He is currently the second-highest wicket-taker and a match-winner for Delhi. So far, Delhi has won 4 games and Kuldeep was the man of the match in all four games. The spinner has added some pace in his bowling which has helped him immensely. But the confidence and faith given by Pant and DC management are what have done wonders for Kuldeep.
1. Dinesh Karthik
Dinesh Karthik had crafted himself as one of the best finishers till 2019. But post-2019, the veteran suffered a lean patch which continued till IPL 2021. He could not contribute anything to KKR’s impressive campaign last year. When he took up the commentary role, the cricketing community thought it was the end of DK’s playing days.
But Karthik knows that he has years left in him. The veteran has been in terrific touch as he currently has the highest strike rate in the ongoing IPL amongst the big strikers in World cricket. He has bailed RCB out of trouble numerous times and finished games for them at ease. Karthik is the main reason why RCB is doing so well in this season even without AB de Villiers.
ALSO READ: IPL 2022 – MATCH 50: DC VS SRH ODDS, PREDICTIONS, AND ANALYSIS
