'There was a bit of nervousness and excitement' - Mohit Sharma reflects on memorable IPL comeback

The 18th game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 featured a fiery clash between the defending champions Gujarat Titans and the Shikhar Dhawan-led Punjab Kings at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali on Thursday, April 13.

Ahead of the game, Gujarat Titans made a significant change in their line-up as they dropped 25-year-old Yash Dayal and included Indian pacer Mohit Sharma, a decision richly backed by Dayal's unfortunate final over in Gujarat's previous encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders.

Sharma, however, grabbed the given opportunity with both hands as he took two wickets in the four overs he bowled and conceded just 18 runs in the process against Punjab Kings. After the first innings, he came forward to reflect on his spell and how good it felt to make his return to the IPL.

"There was a bit of nervousness. There was excitement, coming back after so long. I've been playing on the domestic circuit and getting some game time. Last year, I played after my surgery, I played after a long time, and not a lot of people knew that. I wasn't doing much else. So when Ashu bhai called for this role of a net bowler, I knew had to take it," Mohit Sharma told broadcasters during a conversation after the first innings.

"I thought what's the point of sitting at home anyway, so it's better to come to play competitive cricket. It's all about everyone's thinking. Being a net bowler isn't a bad thing. You get a lot of experience with other players. In my case, the team has created such an environment that everyone has enjoyed so much. Not only me, even the other net bowlers from last year and this year It's like we're a part of the team, and it's great for us," he added.

Punjab’s middle order propelled them to a respectable total

Talking about the game, batting first, Punjab Kings’ top-order failed to make an impact as both Shikhar Dhawan and Prabhsimran Singh were sent back to the pavilion quite early on in the first innings. Matthew Short then took care of the proceedings with Bhanuka Rajapaksa who, however, had a below-par outing with the bat. While Short added 36 runs in 24 deliveries, Rajapaksa could score only 20 runs during his 26-ball stay on the crease.

Jitesh Sharma too played an almost run-a-ball 25-run innings which again jeopardised Punjab's run rate. The same was the case with Sam Curran who scored a run-a-ball 22 before giving away his wicket to Mohit Sharma.

However, it was Shahrukh Khan who propelled the run rate with his blistering cameo of 9-ball-22 that saw Punjab post a total of 153/8. Apart from Sharma, Mohammad Shami, Josh Little, Alzarri Joseph and Rashid Khan took one wicket each.