KATHMANDU: After three long years of waiting, Mohammad Aadil Ansari has returned to the Nepali national cricket team.

The time spent away from the field was not only a career obstacle but also the biggest test of his life. Every day he repeated to himself, “One day, I must wear Nepal’s jersey again and step onto the field.”

That dream came true in the second match of the ongoing T20 series against the West Indies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In his comeback game, he took four wickets, becoming the turning point in Nepal’s historic victory. Smiling after the game, he said, “Three years is a very long time. I am very happy to make a comeback. I also feel more in control of myself again.”

The journey was not easy. In 2022, he was sidelined due to allegations of spot-fixing. There was fear that his career would end.

But Aadil did not give up. During his suspension, he practiced daily, improved his bowling, learned new batting techniques, and maintained his fitness.

He kept himself engaged in cricket. When the national team called him back, he was ready — both physically and mentally.

Initially, he did not get a chance to play in this series. In the first match, Nandan Yadav’s excellent form kept him out. But after Nandan suffered a back injury, Aadil got his opportunity in the second match — a golden chance that turned his comeback into a triumph.

When Nepal won the toss and chose to bat, Aadil only got a chance late in the innings. In five balls, he hit two boundaries and scored 11 runs.

Laughing, he said, “I just wanted to do whatever I could in those five balls. But in the next game, I hope I won’t have to bat — that would mean our top order played well.”

His real brilliance showed in bowling. Defending a target of 174 runs, he trapped the West Indies batters in his clever spells.

He dismissed Kyle Mayers for 6, Ackeem Auguste for 17, Amir Jangoo for 16, and Navine Bidasie — who had performed all-round in the previous match — for just 2 runs.

Bowling four overs, conceding 24 runs, and taking four wickets, his performance entered the bright pages of Nepali cricket.

Previously, he had only five wickets in seven innings, with his best figure being 2 wickets for 21 runs against Kenya.

On Monday, he broke that record. His confident, well-planned bowling against a strong team like the West Indies not only gave Nepal a historic 90-run win but also secured the series with one game remaining.

“Before every match, we study how each batter plays. We make our fielding plan accordingly. Today, the plan worked, so success came,” he said, emphasizing teamwork.

Coach Stuart Law of Australia sees him as a “utility player.” His ability to score quick runs when needed and take crucial wickets makes him an invaluable asset to the team. Aadil himself does not want to be remembered as the hero of a single game, but as a player who contributes consistently.

“Whatever responsibility I’m given, I try to fulfill it. If I hold the bat, I’ll contribute with the bat; if I hold the ball, then with the ball,” he said.

His comeback after three years is not just a personal success story but also a message about the value of second chances.

Aadil’s discipline, patience, and hard work have brought him back into the national jersey. Now, his focus is on consistency.

The challenge ahead is to prove the team’s trust in him through victories and strong performances.