Tamil NADU'S bowling all-rounder Yo Mahesh has set a prime example for cricketers struggling to make a comeback
Tamil Nadu's bowling all-rounder Yo Mahesh has set a prime example for cricketers struggling to make a comeback. Mahesh, 29, who scored an unbeaten 103 to help his side take the vital first innings lead against Mumbai yesterday was not even in the TN Ranji Trophy probables for this season. However, while recovering from his knee injuries, he took the initiative of bowling in the nets and finally got a call for the Mumbai game.
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TN all-rounder Yo Mahesh celebrates his century against Mumbai on Day Three of the Ranji Trophy tie yesterday. Pic/Suresh Karkera
"I wanted to bowl to good batsmen. I called up Balabhai (bowling coach Lakshmipathy Balaji) and said I wanted to come and bowl. He allowed me to do so. I underwent a fitness test in which I fared well and that's how I got back," said Mahesh after the third day's play yesterday.
When asked how tough was it to overcome his injuries, Mahesh said: "I had a cartilage tear in both my knees. For one and a half year, I didn't know what exactly the problem was, so I decided to go to London and meet Dr Andy Williams, an orthopedic surgeon. It was a big decision because I had to pay from my pocket for the operation. But cricket is my bread and butter, so I thought I had to give myself a chance to get back."
Mahesh, who played his last first-class match against Haryana at Chennai in January 2013, added: "The doctor said it will take a year to get back to cricket. And from there, to playing Ranji Trophy, it was definitely going to take another year because it's a high intensity tournament. After all, a fast bowler has to find that rhythm, get that match fitness," he said.
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