May 3, 2025: As Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) gear up to face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a crucial home fixture, 21-year-old spinner Suyash Sharma has shared his inspiring journey of perseverance, recovery, and belief, in the latest edition of RCB Bold Diaries.
Speaking candidly about his comeback from injury, Suyash revealed that he had been battling chronic pain for two years before finally undergoing surgery to treat three hernias.
“RCB sent me to London for my surgery. There I met James Pipey (RCB Team Physio). He and his family treated me like their own. I’m fit now. For two years I played in pain, not even knowing I had this injury,” Suyash said.
Despite expectations that he would return mid-season, the young spinner surprised everyone by making himself available early, crediting RCB’s medical support and his mental strength.
A Long Road to the IPL
Suyash’s path to the Indian Premier League was far from easy. The Delhi native never played in a proper domestic tournament before being picked by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2023. Years of rejections, countless trials, and unwavering support from his family shaped his resolve.
“I played Under-25, but never anything major. I went through six or seven years of trials. My parents kept asking when I’d get a chance, but they never stopped believing in me. My father was in the hospital when I got picked. He cried when he heard the news,” he shared emotionally.
Debut Pressure and Finding Calm
His IPL debut came against RCB, and Suyash admitted he was overwhelmed by the atmosphere and crowd.
“I had never seen so many people in a stadium. My mind was blank. But after the first over, everything settled. I always believed I’d play in the IPL — just not this soon,” he said.
Mental Recovery and Visualization
Perhaps the most remarkable part of his story is his mental preparation during three months of bed rest before this IPL season. Suyash relied heavily on visualization techniques and affirmations to stay mentally sharp.
“I’d think about my bowling all day. I visualized every ball, every run-up. When I returned, it didn’t feel new. I had already lived it in my mind.”
He also credited RCB’s spin bowling coach Malolan Rangarajan for helping him fine-tune his bowling mechanics.
“My run-up is my bowling. Malo sir helped me a lot. Wrist spinners need rhythm. If we stop bowling for a week, things fall apart. That’s why visualizing was so important.”
Bowling Style and Personal Loss
Suyash, who began as a batter, transitioned to spin bowling naturally. His bowling action, he says, is instinctive and largely untouched.
He also opened up about the loss of his father two years ago due to cancer — a personal tragedy that occurred just as his career was gaining momentum.
“My mum was my teacher. My dad had a factory. He passed away just as I was getting noticed. My family has always stood by me.”
The Ultimate Goal
Now, with RCB fighting for a playoff spot, Suyash has just one goal in mind.
“I have only one goal — that we win this year and lift the cup. This is my only goal right now.”