Harpreet Singh Bhatia's Sets New Record for Longest Gap Between IPL Appearances
Harpreet Singh Bhatia scored 22 in his comeback game (IPLT20.com)
In a stunning display of commitment, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 witnessed a historic comeback as veteran Punjab cricketer Harpreet Singh Bhatia made his triumphant return after an incredible gap of 3981 days between two IPL matches in the game against Lucknow Super Giants on Saturday.
The all-rounder’s comeback marks the longest gap between two IPL matches for any player in the tournament's history.
Bhatia's previous IPL appearance dates back to May 19, 2012, when he represented the now-defunct Pune Warriors India (PWI). Unfortunately, his solitary appearance that season was brief, as he was dismissed for six runs by Sunil Narine of the Kolkata Knight Riders.
A seasoned campaigner in the domestic circuit, Bhatia, had previously represented Kolkata Knight Riders in 2010 and Pune Warriors Indian 2012 before being signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2017 as a replacement for the injured Sarfaraz Khan. However, he didn’t get to feature in the playing XI for the Bangalore based franchise that season, leaving his IPL dreams in limbo.
But the southpaw's perseverance and unwavering dedication to the game paid off when he was finally drafted into the playing eleven for Punjab Kings. The 31-year old came in to bat at No. 4 and scored 22 off as many balls with three fours as Punjab secured a two-wicket win.
The 31-year-old cricketer's remarkable achievement has now surpassed the previous record held by Matthew Wade, with 3962 days between his two IPL matches. Wayne Parnell, Rilee Rossouw, and Colin Ingram also find themselves in the record books, occupying third, fourth, and fifth place, respectively.
But it is Bhatia's remarkable feat that has captured the imagination of cricket enthusiasts across the globe. His return to the IPL after such a prolonged hiatus is a testament to his unwavering dedication and commitment to the sport, and a source of inspiration for aspiring cricketers everywhere.
As the IPL 2023 season progresses, all eyes will be on the seasoned cricketer to see if he can continue to dazzle on the field and help lead his team to victory. But regardless of the outcome, his comeback will be remembered as a shining example of the enduring spirit of cricket.
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