Harpreet Singh Bhatia plays first IPL match in 10 years 332 days, records longest gap between two appearances

IPL 2023: Harpreet Bhatia surpassed Australia’s Matthew Wade, who had waited 10 years and 312 days (2010-2022) for the longest gap between two IPL appearances.

Harpreet Singh Bhatia during his PBKS debut on Saturday. | Photo Credit: SPORTZPICS

Punjab Kings batter Harpreet Singh Bhatia broke the record for the longest gap between two Indian Premier League appearances during an IPL 2023 clash against Lucknow Super Giants on Saturday.

Harpreet (10 years, 332 days) surpassed Australia’s Matthew Wade, who had waited 10 years and 312 days (2010-2022) between two appearances in the league.

After PBKS opted to bowl, Harpreet contributed to its first wicket as he caught LSG opener Kyle Mayers off Harpreet Brar’s bowling. Harpreet then made 22 off 22 deliveries with the bat as PBKS was set a 160-run chase.

Harpreet made his previous IPL appearance with the now-defunct Pune Warriors India (PWI) on May 19, 2012. In his solitary appearance that season, Harpreet was trapped for six by Kolkata Knight Riders’ Sunil Narine. Harpreet was first picked up in the IPL by KKR in the 2010 season.

Harpreet made his domestic debut with Madhya Pradesh as a 17-year-old in 2008 and represented the state until 2017 before switching to Chhattisgarh. The 31-year-old is currently the captain of the Chhattisgarh team across formats.

Harpreet’s third stint in the IPL took place in 2017 when he was announced as a replacement for Sarfaraz Khan in the Royal Challengers Bangalore setup. The right-handed batter, however, did not feature in any game.

Harpreet has also featured for India in its 2010 U-19 World Cup squad. Known for his exploits in the longer formats, Harpeet has amassed over 4000 First-Class with 15 centuries including a career-best 221. He has also recorded 3000-plus List A and 2000-plus T20 runs.

Harpreet was in fine form during the 2022-23 domestic season. He was the second-leading run-getter for Chhattisgarh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with 196 runs from five innings. Harpreet then racked up 516 runs from seven innings in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, including two centuries and four fifties.

Harpreet was then roped in by PBKS at the December 2022 IPL auction for INR 40 lakh.

Longest gap between two IPL appearances

• 10 years, 332 days - Harpreet Bhatia (Return: 2023 with Punjab Kings, Last Match: 2012 with Pune Warriors India)
• 10 years, 312 days - Matthew Wade (Return: 2022 with Gujarat Titans, Last Match: 2011 with Delhi Capitals)
• 8 years, 332 days - Wayne Parnell (Return: 2023 with RCB, Last Match: 2014 with DC)
• 7 years, 307 days - Colin Ingram (Return: 2019 with DC, Last Match: 2011 with DC)