West Indies opener John Campbell has made a stunning comeback to international cricket. After producing a strong performance in the Thiruvananthapuram ODI, the left-handed batter continued his impressive form in Guwahati, smashing a brilliant century against India.

Campbell reached his half-century in just 29 balls before accelerating further and completing his century in only 20 more deliveries. He attacked India's fast bowlers aggressively and also took on the spinners, producing one of the most memorable innings of his recent career.

But Campbell's journey back to international cricket has not been straightforward. Just a few years ago, his career was hit by a major setback when he was handed a four-year ban for refusing to provide a blood sample to doping-control officials.

Campbell destroys India's bowling attack

Campbell displayed an impressive combination of power and timing during his innings.

He took on India's pace attack, attacking bowlers including Prasidh Krishna, Aaqib Nabi and Gurnur Brar. He was equally effective against India's spin options, with neither Kuldeep Yadav nor Ravindra Jadeja able to stop his assault.

Prasidh Krishna, in particular, came under severe pressure, with Campbell scoring 22 runs from one of his overs.

After reaching his fifty in just 29 balls, Campbell shifted gears and raced to his century in only another 20 deliveries.

Seven years after his previous ODI century

Campbell's latest century is particularly significant because it came after a seven-year wait.

His previous ODI century was scored against Ireland in 2019. Since then, he had been away from the international spotlight for significant periods.

Now, he has returned to the ODI stage and produced a century against India, marking an impressive chapter in his comeback story.

Why was John Campbell banned?

Campbell's career suffered a major setback in 2022.

In April that year, he refused to provide a blood sample to doping-control officials. The Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission subsequently imposed a four-year ban on the cricketer.

Campbell appealed the decision before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Following the appeal, his ban was reduced to 22 months.

The reduced suspension ended in August 2024, allowing Campbell to resume his cricket career.

Another controversy after his return

Campbell's return to cricket was not completely free of controversy.

After returning from the ban, he was involved in an incident during the Super50 competition. He did not toss in the final, following which he was handed a four-match suspension.

That suspension was later revoked, allowing him to continue playing.

Campbell rebuilt his career through domestic cricket

Following his suspension, Campbell worked his way back through domestic cricket and impressed with his performances.

His form eventually earned him another opportunity with the West Indies. He also scored a century against India during the Test series, demonstrating that he could still perform at the highest level.

His latest ODI century in Guwahati has now added another major achievement to his comeback.

From a four-year ban to a century against India

Campbell's story has been one of setbacks and comebacks.

A few years ago, his international career appeared to be in serious danger after the doping-related suspension. But after serving the reduced ban and rebuilding his career through domestic cricket, he has returned to the West Indies side with impressive performances.

His century against India, coming after seven years since his previous ODI hundred, is a powerful reminder of his ability and determination to return to the international stage.