Indian players who transformed their careers after being dropped

Getting dropped from the team is one of the toughest moments for any cricketer. It shakes confidence, tests discipline, and pushes a player into a period of deep self-reflection. But for some Indian players, this moment became the start of a powerful transformation. Instead of giving up, they rebuilt their game, corrected their weaknesses, and returned stronger than ever. Their stories show that setbacks don’t end careers — they often create champions. 

Here are Indian players who made remarkable comebacks after being dropped.

Virender Sehwag

Virender Sehwag’s career took a tough turn in 2007 when he was dropped because of inconsistent performances. It was a wake-up call for him. He worked on simplifying his batting, improving clarity, and focusing on his natural strengths. When he returned, he didn’t just make a comeback — he dominated. His big hundreds, fearless strokeplay, and renewed confidence gave Indian cricket some of its most memorable innings. Sehwag’s revival showed how powerful self-belief can be when combined with discipline.

Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh experienced multiple setbacks in his career, but the toughest blow came when he was dropped from the national team. Instead of letting the decision break him, he used it as motivation. He worked on his variations, fitness, and attitude toward the game. When he made his way back into the side, he bowled with more maturity and control. Harbhajan’s journey is a strong reminder that comebacks are built on patience and persistence.

Mohinder Amarnath

Mohinder Amarnath is often called one of the greatest comeback men in Indian cricket history. Throughout his early career, he faced several rejections and was dropped multiple times. But every time, he went back to domestic cricket, corrected his weaknesses, and returned stronger. His determination eventually turned him into one of India’s most reliable batters, and his performances in the 1983 World Cup made him a national hero. Amarnath’s story is a symbol of resilience and never giving up.

Jaydev Unadkat

Jaydev Unadkat’s journey is one of the most inspiring modern Indian comeback stories. After his Test debut in 2010, he spent more than a decade away from the national team. Many believed his international career was over, but he didn’t. He became the standout performer in domestic cricket, leading Saurashtra with consistency and discipline. His efforts were finally rewarded when he earned a Test recall after many years, proving that dedication can outshine time itself.

Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik faced repeated ups and downs throughout his career, constantly moving in and out of the national team. But his biggest transformation came later in his career, when he reinvented himself as a finisher. He changed his training, improved his power-hitting, and worked intensely on his mindset. His comeback at the age of 37 was one of the most inspiring return stories in Indian cricket. Karthik proved that age is not a barrier if you are willing to adapt and evolve.

Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj Singh’s story is one of the most emotional and inspirational in Indian cricket. After battling a life-threatening illness, he struggled with form and fitness and was eventually dropped. But Yuvraj fought like a warrior. He trained harder than ever, rebuilt his strength, and made a strong comeback to the Indian team. His return to international cricket after cancer remains one of the most powerful examples of courage and determination in sports.

Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane was dropped from the Test team after a long stretch of poor form, and many believed his international career was over. But Rahane didn’t lose hope. He went back to domestic cricket, worked on his technique, and regained his confidence. His return to the Test side showed a calmer, more mature cricketer. Rahane’s ability to remain patient and focused during tough periods makes his comeback one of the most respected in modern Indian cricket.

Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan’s career has been filled with highs and lows, and he has been dropped from the Indian team multiple times. His biggest transformation came after he was left out of the squad due to inconsistent form early in his career. Dhawan returned with a completely renewed attitude, sharper shot selection, and a fearless approach at the top of the order. His comeback was explosive — he scored big runs in ICC tournaments, dominated in overseas conditions, and became one of India’s most reliable opening batsmen in white-ball cricket. Dhawan’s story shows how confidence, hard work, and self-belief can turn setbacks into long-lasting success.

Cover Credits - ESPNcricinfo