Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], May 1: As the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) prepare for their home match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), 21-year-old Suyash Sharma shared insights into his recovery from injury, his path to the Indian Premier League (IPL), and his mindset in the latest episode of RCB Bold Diaries.

Discussing his injury and the support he received from RCB, Sharma stated, "RCB arranged for my surgery in London, where I met James Pipey, the team physio. He and his family treated me like one of their own. I underwent surgery for three hernias and honestly, I didn’t expect to play in the first match. I was informed that I would be back in three to four matches due to the severity of the surgery. However, Pipey and his family were incredibly supportive. I’m grateful to be part of this franchise and I’m now fit. I had endured pain for two years, playing through it. The challenge was that I didn’t even realize the extent of my injury when I wasn’t playing. RCB placed their trust in me and invested in my recovery. I’m thrilled with how my surgery went. The journey I’m on now is different from before. I believe everything happens for a reason," he shared.

Reflecting on his journey to the IPL, he remarked, "Before the IPL, I had never participated in a major tournament, only in Under-25 matches. I spent six to seven years attending trials without being selected. My parents often asked when I would get my chance in the IPL, but they never lost faith in me. They recognized my dedication. After the Under-25s, I attended IPL trials. My googly was particularly effective then; I took eight wickets in a single match during a KKR practice game, which led to my selection. My father was in the hospital at that time and cried upon hearing the news. No one anticipated my IPL debut would come so quickly."

Sharma recounted the pressure of his IPL debut against RCB, saying, "There was immense pressure. I had never even attended a match before, so witnessing such a large crowd was overwhelming. The atmosphere was electric. I jumped straight into the game, and until you bowl in a match, you can’t truly understand the experience. I felt blank initially, but I tried to stick to my usual approach. After the first over, I settled in and began to appreciate the moment. I always believed I would play in the IPL, but I didn’t expect it to happen at 19. I thought I’d debut at 24 or 26. My self-belief was strong; hard work pays off, and I trust that God supports those who strive for their goals," he added.

On his mental preparation during recovery, he explained, "I was on bed rest for three months before the IPL and only resumed bowling two weeks prior to the tournament. During that time, I visualized my bowling constantly, running through affirmations in my mind. I planned each delivery meticulously. This mental preparation was crucial. I also focused on refining my run-up, which is integral to my bowling. If you keep something in your mind long enough, when the moment arrives, you feel ready. You just think, ‘I’ve done this before; I can do it again.’"

Sharma shared his evolution as a bowler, stating, "I initially started as a batter before transitioning to spin bowling in the park, which felt natural. While I’ve made some adjustments, my bowling action is instinctive. Wrist spinners need consistent practice; if they don’t bowl for a week or two, their technique can falter. That’s why I visualized extensively during my three-month break. When I returned to bowling, it felt familiar because I had been mentally rehearsing every aspect of it."

He expressed gratitude for his family's support, especially after losing his father. "My mother was my mentor, and my father owned a factory. I lost him two years ago to cancer while I was beginning to gain recognition. My family has always been my pillar of strength, supporting me through every phase of my career, regardless of whether I played for the state or not. They never doubted my potential, as they witnessed my daily efforts," he said.

Discussing his preparation for the IPL and collaboration with Malolan Rangorajan, RCB's Player Identification Manager and Spin Bowling Coach, Sharma noted, "I was on bed rest for three months and began bowling just two weeks before the IPL. Prior to my surgery, Mr. Malo helped me refine my technique. I focused on my run-up, which is essential for my bowling. Visualization played a significant role during my recovery. When I returned to bowling, it felt seamless because I had been mentally engaged with it throughout my recovery period."

Sharma concluded with his aspirations for the season, stating, "My sole objective is for us to win this year and lift the trophy. That’s my only focus right now."