JOIN USRahul Sharma’s cricketing career had hit the nadir when he was apprehended by police at a rave party after the Indian Premier League in 2012.
Subsequently, the tall leg-spinner reportedly tested positive for a recreational drug and his return to competitive cricket seemed a distant possibility at that point in time. But the Punjab spinner appears to have put behind the tough period and his match-winning 5/23 against West Indies ‘A’ here on Saturday may just be beginning of better things to come.
“It was a very tough time for me,” admitted Rahul in his post-match comments, referring to his police case. “Not just for me, but for my family and friends as well. But I am pleased to return with good performances after the IPL in 2012.
It was a tough phase for me and I used to feel bad about it even during this season. But I had the belief that I could come out of it and do well. I am looking forward to doing well in the opportunities I will get,” he remarked.
While dedicating his performance to his family and well-wishers, Rahul thanked all those who helped him stage a comeback. “My coach and my team-mates helped me throughout this series with a lot of tips and I am thankful to them. I am also thankful to (Narendra) Hirwani and Anil (Kumble) bhai, who passed on their expertise to me.”
West Indies ‘A’ skipper Kieran Powell felt the pressure of big score did them in. “Chasing 215 was always going to be tough and we kept losing wickets at quick intervals and that made it tougher. Also catching has been a problem for us not just today but throughout the one-day series too. We have become a bit complacent and we will have to brush up our skills ahead of the four-day games.”