Sport is all about comebacks. Everybody loves a story where a person raises himself in dire consequences and forces his way back to the team. There have been plenty of instances in the game where some players have really raised the bar. Here are 5 comeback kings of cricket:
Yuvraj Singh:
The ultimate comeback king, Yuvraj Singh is one player who will forever be etched in the hearts of Indian cricket fans. The swashbuckling left-hander was left out of the team for multiple reasons – fitness, form and cancer but has still made it back. He displayed some brilliant tenacity when out in the sidelines with the domestic squad and was able to cement his place.
Though he is not the same force that he used to be, he is still someone who can inspire millions to never give up.
Mohammad Amir:
The Pakistani pacer is another one who has made a stellar comeback after being forced out due to spot fixing. Amir was banned from the game for five years thanks to his involvement in the spot fixing scandal in 2010. He was only banned and not expelled because the tribune considered his age as a factor (19) before going ahead with the decision.
Amir had to introspect and face abuse for five years before fighting his way back into contention for the national team. He was brilliant in the Champions Trophy, signaling his return to full form and as one of the world’s most lethal bowlers.
Marlon Samuels:
Another player who has had to go through the ignominy of being accused of match fixing, Marlon Samuels still fought on. Samuels was given a two year ban from the game after the Indian police accused him of meting out information before the West Indian tour of 2007.
Samuels missed out but then came back strongly and played a very crucial role in the final as the West Indies won the T20 championship in 2016.
Mitchell Starc:
The Australian quick suffered a nasty ankle injury just after his 2015 World Cup heroics and was destined for a long layoff from the game. He had to wait for many months before making his comeback in the Aussie tour to Sri Lanka.
Australia were demolished 0-3 but only Starc could stand proudly thanks to his brilliant effort of 24 wickets. He also broke the record of being the fastest to 100 ODIs.
Micky Arthur:
Not a player, but a coach with tremendous resolve, Arthur stuck by the Pakistani team despite multiple setbacks. Taking over post the entire match-fixing fiasco, Arthur had to overlook plenty of ups and downs for Pakistani cricket.
He finally redeemed himself with the Champions Trophy tour and showed the world that he is a world-class coach by mobilizing the squad in the right way for the final.
