The Indian Premier League (IPL) brims of several rags-to-riches stories and comeback stories. It is a haven for opportunities and goes by this simple statement- where talent meet opportunity. And one such remarkable comeback story has been that of Mohit Sharma.
Mohit Sharma last played an IPL game in IPL 2019 before this season. He was playing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and couldn’t impress the management and MS Dhoni. He was then overlooked by all the franchises.
But Gujarat Titans (GT) called him as a net bowler in IPL 2022 and he immediately left an indelible impression on Head Coach Ashish Nehra and skipper Hardik Pandya. Notably, Mohit Sharma has represented India and has also played in the ICC ODI World Cup 2015.
He kept his ego aside and took the step of grind in IPL 2022. Cut to IPL 2023 and he was bought by Gujarat Titans in the mini-IPL auction. Mohit Sharma wasn’t included in the first few games but as he started playing, people couldn’t take his eyes off him.
Mohit Sharma has had a splendid IPL 2023 so far
In 13 matches, the right-arm pacer has bagged 24 wickets and silently does the job assigned to him. A senior bowler, Mohit Sharma partners with Mohammad Shami and leads the pace bowling attack of Gujarat Titans.
In the decisive Qualifier 2 of IPL 2023 versus Mumbai Indians (MI), Sharma displayed a fantastic performance. He bagged 5 wickets in 14 balls and saw through GT to the high-voltage finals of IPL 2023.
Now the question arises as to whether he can make it to the Indian cricket team once again on the back of his stupendous IPL 2023 performances.
Will the selectors choose Mohit Sharma in the Indian cricket team?
If we take a look at Mohit Sharma’s bowling style, then it is very similar to Harshal Patel. Now Patel had made his India debut after he impressed everyone in IPL 2021. Harshal Patel had won the Purple Cap in that season while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
But Patel off late hasn’t been in the best form. In the international circuit and IPL 2023, he has failed to conjure magic and this is where Mohit Sharma could fill in.
Sharma could replace Harshal Patel in the Indian T20 squad and that is the only format we feel he can make a comeback into.
Mohit Sharma is 34-years-old and he could well guide the younger crop of Indian bowlers in the form of Mohammad Siraj, Umran Malik and Arshdeep Singh.
A comeback for the ages, Mohit Sharma’s story is full of inspiration and motivates us to give our best shot at everything we do.
Also read: IPL 2023: 3 Reasons Why Gujarat Titans Might Defend Their Title