After missing a majority of India’s home season due to an injury, Rohit Sharma has insisted he is keen to leave the injury setback behind and start the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League on a strong note.
One of the most successful teams in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Mumbai Indians (MI) had an uncharacteristic last season when they failed to make it to the top four or the playoffs for the first time in seven years. But the perennial favourites will be looking to bounce back this term.
“It feels a long time, actually more than five months. I am looking forward to getting back onto the field. I missed a lot of games, but it’s part of any sportsman’s career when an injury happens. I am not looking backwards and want to start the season on a high,” said Sharma at his first media conference leading into MI’s first game of IPL 10 against Rising Pune Supergiant on April 6.
Sharma admitted that he feared the worst when he suffered the injury during the ODI against New Zealand in October. The right-handed batsman had hurt himself while trying to complete a run and dragging his thigh across the surface.
“To be honest I was scared; it’s something that had never happened. I heard a loud noise when taking the run. I got the MRI done but once days passed by we contacted a lot of doctors and spoke to (Indian team physio) Patrick Farhart as well. They all gave me confidence that it’s not a major problem and was a small injury. I went through it quite comfortably,” Sharma explained.
He further said that missing five months of cricket will not hamper his career.
The Mumbai batsman, who had faced severe criticism due to his inconsistent performances in Test matches, began the home season on a good note. He was the fourth highest run-getter of the three-match Test series against New Zealand with 238 runs with three half-centuries. Things were finally looking good for him in the white jersey before he suffered the setback. He had to miss the entire series against England and the four Test match rubber against Australia but the 29-year old is only concentrating on his future.
“I am just 29. Five months missing cricket does not do any bad. These things will happen in future too. In your career, you will miss games. It has happened before and now it does not come as a surprise. It’s important for me to stay strong and focus ahead. I am looking forward and there’s so much cricket coming up,” he said.
He also said that seeing the Indian team play from the hotel room was a tough experience for him.
“It was tough sitting in the hotel room and watching the team play. Yes, you have to go through it and I have done it many times. I was focusing on how quick I could get on the field. I give a lot of credit to NCA staff.
“When you have a big injury you tend to lose muscle strength. It was a big challenge to get it back and become a lot stronger. Thankfully I am back on the field and ready to play again,” he added.