Islamabad, May 6, 2025: Sunrisers Hyderabad made bold changes ahead of their must-win clash against Delhi Capitals yesterday at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium.
With just wins in ten games and placed ninth on the points table, the Pat Cummins-led side entered the match knowing that defeat would likely end their playoff hopes.
Among the most notable decisions was the return of Sachin Baby, who featured in an IPL game after nearly four years.
The 35-year-old left-handed batter last appeared in the league back in September 2021, when he turned out for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against KKR.
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His comeback comes after a lengthy absence of 1323 days—roughly three years, seven months, and fifteen days.
The reshuffled playing XI also saw the exclusion of Shami, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Kamindu Mendis, as Hyderabad looked to inject new energy into the squad.
Baby’s return is not only a personal milestone but also a reminder of the unpredictable journeys many players experience in the IPL.
His comeback ranks among the longest gaps between two appearances in IPL history, though not at the very top.
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Harpreet Singh Bhatia holds the record with a 3981-day gap between appearances for Pune Warriors (2012) and Punjab Kings (2023).
Australian wicketkeeper Matthew Wade is second, with a gap of 3962 days between his appearances for Delhi Capitals in 2012 and Gujarat Titans in 2022.
South Africa’s Wayne Parnell returned after 3242 days, followed by Rilee Rossouw (2899 days) and Colin Ingram (2019 days).
Sachin Baby’s return adds a sentimental touch to Sunrisers Hyderabad’s crucial playoff push, highlighting the IPL’s resilience and unpredictability.
