5 Indian cricketers defied adversity with remarkable comebacks after facing career-threatening challenges. From injuries to drops in form, their resilience and determination helped them reclaim their spots. These comebacks, marked by historic performances and leadership, solidified their places as some of India’s greatest cricketing legends.

5. Zaheer Khan

Fast bowling was once a rarity in India, but the rise of bowlers like Siraj, Shardul, Chahar, and Natarajan has secured India’s future in pace bowling. However, in the past, the landscape was very different. With Srinath fading and Prasad out of contention, Zaheer Khan and Ashish Nehra emerged as fresh faces.

Zaheer’s career faced a setback in 2004-05 when he was dropped from the Test team due to a series of underwhelming performances. Instead of succumbing to pressure, he rebounded with a stellar domestic season for Worcestershire. His impressive performances earned him a recall to the national team, where he became indispensable. Zaheer’s brilliance in 2009 played a key role in India’s rise to the No. 1 position in Test cricket, and he was instrumental in leading the team to victory in the 2011 World Cup.

4. Mohinder Amarnath

Mohinder ‘Jimmy’ Amarnath, known as the “comeback king,” played a crucial role in India’s 1983 World Cup victory. After initial struggles with short-pitched deliveries, Amarnath revamped his technique and returned to the national team in 1982. He went on to dominate fast bowlers, scoring six centuries in 11 matches against Pakistan and the West Indies, all away from home, cementing his legacy as one of India’s finest comeback stories.

3. Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi

Known as “Tiger” Pataudi for his royal demeanor and fearless leadership, Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi’s journey was anything but easy. Hailing from a royal family, he rose to prominence early in county cricket. At 20, however, a tragic accident resulted in the loss of his right eye, leaving many to believe his career was over.

Defying all odds, Pataudi returned to the nets within days, practicing with just one eye. His determination and never-say-die attitude earned him a place in Test cricket, where he became one of India’s finest players and captain. Under his leadership, India won their first-ever Test match overseas, defeating England in 1967, marking a milestone in Indian cricket history.

2. Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar, the “Little Master,” endured every injury in his 12-year career, never missing a Test match. In 2004, a severe tennis elbow threatened his career, leaving him unable to lift his bat. Determined, he entered rehab and made a remarkable comeback, defying the media’s mockery. When he returned, the crowd erupted in joy, chanting “Sachin, Sachin,” as he proved once again why he is regarded as the God of cricket.

1. Sourav Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly’s career epitomized resilience. Amidst a challenging phase where his form had dipped, and his leadership was under scrutiny, Ganguly faced the harshest criticism. At one point, he was even dropped from the national team. Yet, refusing to give up, he worked relentlessly in domestic cricket to earn his comeback.

Ganguly returned with a bang, smashing his career-best Test score of 239 against Pakistan. His comeback not only solidified his place but also made him the highest run-scorer in Test cricket in 2007, marking a historic and royal resurgence.