5 Indian cricketers who enjoyed a rebirth in IPL 2016

#3. Praveen Kumar (Gujarat Lions))

Praveen Kumar (left) celebrates the wicket of Gautam Gambhir

The right-arm fast bowler was once one of the premium swing bowlers of the Indian cricket team but hasn’t played since 2012. Praveen who has had a serious disciplinary issue both on and off the field throughout his career was declared “mentally unfit” to play by the BCCI in 2013.

The 29-year-old made a comeback and was bought for Rs 3.5 crore by the Gujarat Lions in the last IPL auctions. The Meerut-born cricketer, who has more than 100 international wickets to his name, became an instrumental part of the Suresh Raina-led side which emerged as No.1 in the league phase of the tournament.

In 16 matches the right-arm pacer picked up 9 wickets at an average of 44.55 and with an economy rate of 7.78. Though Gujarat did not qualify for the final as they lost both their matches in the playoffs, Praveen’s disciplined bowling was one of the key weapons in their armory.