Sunrisers Hyderabad faced Delhi Capitals in a must-win clash on Monday, May 5, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. With just three wins in 10 games, SRH sat at ninth on the IPL 2025 points table, needing victory to keep their playoff hopes alive. Led by Pat Cummins, the Hyderabad franchise made several notable changes to their playing XI for this critical encounter.
Among the most talked-about changes was the return of Sachin Baby, who last appeared in the IPL in 2021 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. After nearly four years—or precisely 1323 days—he returned to the league, bringing a touch of nostalgia and determination to a side battling for survival.
Sachin’s comeback places him among players with the longest gaps between IPL appearances. At the top of the list is Harpreet Singh Bhatia, who returned in 2023 after a staggering 3981 days, having last played for Pune Warriors India in 2012. Matthew Wade is next, rejoining IPL action in 2022 for Gujarat Titans after a 3962-day break since his stint with Delhi Capitals in 2012.
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Wayne Parnell also made a notable return for RCB in 2023, having been away from the league since 2014. Rilee Rossouw reappeared in 2023 for Delhi Capitals, ending an absence since 2015, while Colin Ingram rejoined the tournament in 2019 after eight years.
Sachin Baby’s inclusion not only adds experience but also highlights the unpredictable nature of IPL selections, where form, fitness, and timing converge. As Sunrisers Hyderabad look to turn their season around, his return offers a mix of sentiment and strategy at a pivotal stage in the tournament.