Yo Mahesh returns in style after a career-threatening knee injury

Tamil Nadu all-rounder Yo Mahesh returned to cricket after four years and smashed a magnificent ton against Mumbai in the ongoing Ranji Trophy. The visiting side took a decisive lead of 76 runs in the first innings thanks to the stubbornness shown by the talented cricketer. Mumbai was almost assured of a lead going into the third day having scalped seven wickets for less than 300 runs. But Mahesh fought with assistance from the tail-enders and ensured crucial three points for his side as the match is headed towards a draw.

The 29-year-old strode out to the middle with the team’s score reading 287 for the loss of seven wickets and 63 runs behind the first innings total of Mumbai. He added 52 runs first with Baba Indrajith and then shepherded the innings with the nos 10 and 11 on the other end. He remained unbeaten on 103 off 216 deliveries and his knock was studded with 9 fours and 4 hits over the fence. Tamil Nadu eventually were bowled out for 450 with a sizeable lead of 76 runs over the runners-up of the previous edition.

Tough four years for Mahesh

Yo Mahesh was extremely happy after playing a brilliant inning for his state side. “Initially, I was only going to support Inder (Indrajith). Later on, after he got out, I had to take more responsibility. I had to play along with the next two batsmen, tell them what’s happening. What the bowler is doing and what they are trying to do. So, I had to read the situation accordingly,” he said after the day’s play as quoted by DNA.

However, the cricketer sustained a career-threatening injury when he was at the peak four years ago. He suffered a cartilage tear in both his knees which stopped him from playing the game and there was also a possibility that he would be forced to retire. But he remained positive throughout. Mahesh also had to put his savings from his pockets for the operation. He revealed that he had to go through the toughest phase of his life but was also happy with the fact that he returned to the game.

“It’s been a great journey for the last four years, not playing because of injury. It feels really nice to be back in the TN set-up and performing well for the team. It was definitely a tough phase for me. I had missed out on four years of a good time of my career. But I would like to take the positives out of it. I learnt a lot. Both in my cricket and in my personal life. It was a long journey, but it taught me a lot,” Yo Mahesh added.

“It was a normal overload injury. I was playing continuously for eight years before that. For one-and-a-half years, I didn’t know what exactly the problem was. So, I decided to go to London to meet Andy Williams. He’s an orthopaedic surgeon. It was a big decision because I had to put my savings from my pocket to go for the operation. But obviously cricket is my bread and butter, so I thought I had to give myself a chance to get back to what I like to do the most,” he spoke about his injury.