How Mohit Sharma ‘beat his ego’ to make a comeback from the precipice of retirement | Cricket Information – Occasions of India

NEW DELHI: If a narrative titled “Triumph of sheer dedication over ego” had been to be written, it might properly be based mostly on cricketer Mohit Sharma.
Having secured the coveted Purple Cap in IPL 2014 whereas enjoying for the Chennai Tremendous Kings and representing India in two World Cups (2014 T20 World Cup and 2015 World Cup), Mohit demonstrated unwavering dedication by willingly embracing the function of a web bowler when circumstances did not align along with his expectations.
He was scuffling with a again damage and located himself out of an IPL contract for 2 years (2021 and 2022). He hasn’t performed for India in eight years. He misplaced his father throughout that interval as properly.
He was down, however not out.
Mohit, after present process a again surgical procedure, was adamant of creating a comeback. He sought recommendation from his seniors and his coach and former India cricketer Vijay Yadav, who even advised him that he has the choice of leaving cricket and on the lookout for one thing else if he desires to. However Mohit had his personal plans. He might see a ray of hope that promised him that he might get again to the place he belongs.
“In 2019, when he came back after his back surgery, if it was someone else he would have quit cricket. Be it back injury, shin problems, shin fracture, stress fracture, Mohit had suffered all that and more in his career. As a coach, I admire Mohit and that is because he is very much committed to the game” Vijay Yadav, former India cricketer and Mohit’s childhood coach advised TimesofIndia.com in an unique interview.

Picture credit score: BCCI/IPL
“When I saw Mohit struggling because of a back injury, I couldn’t control myself. I had lost hope and went to him and said – ‘yaar ab bas kar, bahut ho gaya, abb tu rehne de. Bas kar ab. Ab tu kuch aur karle’ (It’s enough Mohit. Now, leave it. Just do something else now’,” Yadav additional shared.
“He told me – ‘sir, ek saal ur karunga (will do this for one more year). I think I can do it. Bas ek saal aur try karna chahta hoon (I want to keep trying to make a comeback and keep playing cricket for one more year)’, I said ok, if you want to, go ahead,” Yadav, who performed 1 Check and 19 ODIs for India between 1992 and 1994, advised TimesofIndia.com.
HOW MOHIT BEAT HIS OWN EGO
Mohit did not have an IPL contract for 2 years (2021 and 2022). He wished to begin afresh. Mohit was roped in as a web bowler by Gujarat Titans in 2022 and bowled below the directions and tutelage of Ashish Nehra.
As soon as purchased for a whopping Rs. 6.5 crore within the IPL 2016 public sale by Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Mohit labored alongside younger web bowlers and needed to generally bowl to younger and skilled batters at Gujarat Titans.
“The decision was a very brave one. Last year, when he decided to be a net bowler, that decision was a huge one. A player who has played for India, represented India at the World Cup, and then becoming a net bowler – it’s not easy to do at all. One needs to be very brave to take a decision like that. There are a lot of things involved, including ego and fame. But he didn’t care. He was committed and wanted to prove to everyone again just how good he can be,” Yadav stated.

Picture credit score: BCCI/IPL
‘TIME TO ROAR’
Impressed by his tempo, rhythm, and constant traces and lengths that he showcased within the nets , Gujarat Titans gave Mohit an IPL contract. The 34-year-old was purchased for Rs. 50 lakh, his base worth.
Mohit didn’t play the primary 3 matches for the defending champions this season, however when alternative knocked on his door the skilled bowler made it depend.
Taking part in his first match of IPL 2023 in opposition to the Punjab Kings, Mohit claimed 2 wickets, conceding simply 18 runs in his 4 overs. He was awarded the Man of the Match award in his maiden IPL 2023 outing.
Mohit was at his deadly greatest within the match in opposition to the Lucknow Tremendous Giants. With 12 runs wanted off the final over, Hardik Pandya threw the ball to Mohit and the person from Haryana accepted the problem.
After conceding two runs off the primary supply, Mohit dismissed KL Rahul (68) and Marcus Stonis (duck) off successive deliveries at hand GT an exhilarating 7-run win. He was awarded the Participant of the Match award once more.
Total, the comeback man has claimed 17 wickets in 11 matches within the IPL 2023 season thus far.

Picture credit score: BCCI/IPL
“Net bowling was the only avenue left for him to try and get back to the field. He used it as a stepping stone. He really worked hard. He proved himself and impressed everyone. He used to bowl for long hours in the nets and was consistent and that’s why he was bought by the Gujarat Titans. He grabbed the chance with both hands and proved that he still has it in him. He was hungry for success. All the credit goes to him and his sheer dedication,” Mohit’s coach Yadav additional advised TimesofIndia.com.
“He was bought by Kings XI Punjab for 6 crores plus. He played for India. He played at the highest level. He played World Cups. A player of that stature will (usually) not go for a net bowling job, but Mohit did. Ego wise, that is not an easy decision at all. There were so many juniors who saw him play at the highest level and then he bowled to them in the GT nets. Mohit’s sheer dedication beat his ego. I am so happy for him,” the previous India cricketer additional stated.
“Hardik is also a fighter. He also came from a humble background. He worked hard and reached this level. He also believes in hard work. I am sure he must have seen something in Mohit and must have played a big role in all this,” Yadav signed off.