IPL diary: The rollercoaster life of Delhi’s RCB leg-spinner Suyash Sharma

Delhi’s Suyash Sharma, the diminutive leg-spinner with an unorthodox bowling action, has revealed that he underwent surgery for three hernias shortly before the IPL began this March. Despite being on bed rest for three months, he miraculously returned to full fitness in time to represent Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in their opening match.

Sharma, 21, disclosed that RCB sent him to London for treatment. “He and his family treated me like family,” said Sharma, referring to RCB physiotherapist James Pipe, who supported him during his recovery in England. “I had three hernias. To be honest, I didn’t expect to play the first match. I was told I would play three or four matches later because it was a big surgery.”

Speaking to RCB Bold Diaries, an in-house production of the franchise, Sharma said he resumed bowling just two weeks before the tournament began on March 22.

His journey off the field has been equally dramatic. Sharma lost his father to cancer just before being picked by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the 2023 IPL. His mother, a school teacher, remained steadfast in her belief in her son’s talent, as did her late husband. After spending two seasons with KKR, Sharma was released by the franchise. RCB later picked him up for Rs 2.6 crore at the November auction.

While Sharma may not have set the stands alight this season, his passion remains undimmed. “This is my only goal right now,” he said, referring to his determination to help RCB win their first IPL title.

Critics silenced, turn to YouTube

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) appears increasingly intolerant of public criticism, directly or indirectly. This sentiment has reportedly led to the exclusion of two former India Test cricketers — Irfan Pathan and Navjot Singh Sidhu — from IPL commentary roles, prompting both to launch YouTube channels to express their opinions freely.

Pathan, known for his candid remarks, was dropped from the IPL commentary panel after criticising certain star players during live broadcasts. The decision, allegedly influenced by BCCI or the official broadcasters Jio-STAR, led Pathan to start Seedhi Baat With Irfan Pathan, a YouTube channel where he now shares his match analysis independently.

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Sidhu faced a similar situation mid-season. After tweeting criticisms about controversial umpiring decisions — which were widely debated by viewers — he was removed from the Hindi commentary team. Missing a few matches, Sidhu responded by launching his own YouTube channel, although he has since returned to studio commentary while continuing to post online.

Although the official broadcaster appoints commentators, it is widely acknowledged that the BCCI has the final word. Previous instances involving Sanjay Manjrekar and Harsha Bhogle further reinforce this perception.

Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries, which owns a majority stake in the Disney-owned STAR Sports and Hotstar since last year, also has indirect stakes in the league — with one of its arms owning the IPL franchise Mumbai Indians.