5 Players who made their Team India debut long after playing in IPL

Playing in the Indian Premier League is a dream for budding cricketers in India. An IPL contract can thrust a player into the spotlight overnight and provide a platform to showcase his ability.

A place in the league also opens the door to selection for India. For some, the climb from the IPL to international cricket takes only a season or two. For others, it can take several years before they finally earn their maiden India call-up.

Here is a look at players who had to wait years after their IPL debut to receive their first India cap:

#1 Harshal Patel

Harshal Patel made his IPL debut on April 7, 2012 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Delhi Capitals, but had to wait 3513 days for his India debut. His first appearance for India came against New Zealand on November 19, 2021.

#2 Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav is a late bloomer. The right-handed batter made his IPL debut on April 6, 2012 for Mumbai Indians against Pune Warriors India. His maiden international appearance came 3264 days later, against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on March 14, 2021.

#3 Sarfaraz Khan

The Mumbai batter played his first IPL match for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Chennai Super Kings on April 22, 2015 and waited 3221 days before receiving his Test cap against England in Rajkot on February 15, 2024.

#4 Shahbaz Nadeem

Jharkhand’s Shahbaz Nadeem, one of the leading wicket-takers in Ranji Trophy history, made his IPL debut for Delhi Capitals against Rajasthan Royals on April 12, 2011. His India debut came in a Test match against South Africa in Ranchi on October 19, 2019.

#5 Mayank Agarwal

Mayank Agarwal made his IPL debut on April 12, 2011 in a fixture between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians. He had to wait 2815 days for his India cap, making his international debut against Australia in the Boxing Day Test of December 2018.