Cricket

Cricket   |   April 15, 2023

Mohit Sharma reveals how a chat with Ashish Nehra revived his IPL career

After suffering a defeat in their previous game against Kolkata Knight Riders, Gujarat Titans made a thumping return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) by defeating Punjab Kings in their most recent match by six wickets. With this win, the Titans have now moved up to the third position on the IPL Points Table.

The Titans’ victory was largely due to a fantastic display with the bat by Shubman Gill and Rahul Tewatia. Gill once again played an extraordinary knock and set the tone for the Titans, while Tewatia played an important hand at the end to help the team secure the win. Follow your favourite IPL team with attractive betting odds from NextBet.

On the bowling front, senior pacer Mohit Sharma impressed everyone with his performance, picking up two wickets and giving away just 18 runs in his four overs. Interestingly, Sharma had played his last IPL match for Delhi Capitals in 2020. In 2022, he was picked as a net bowler by the Titans, but in the auction, the defending champions made a bid for the pacer and gave him his first IPL contract in three years. Sharma repaid their trust with a valuable performance and cemented his spot in the playing XI.

Speaking to the host broadcaster after the match, Sharma revealed his chat with head coach Ashish Nehra before signing for the Titans and reflected on his return to domestic cricket’s biggest extravaganza. “There was excitement but also nervousness about making a comeback after a few years. Have played domestic cricket in between. Last year I played domestic returning from a back surgery,” Sharma said while speaking to Murali Kartik.

“Not many people knew I played domestic. Got a call from Ashu Pa to stay with the team. (Mujhe laga ghar baithkey bhi kya karunga) I thought it would be better than staying at home (about being a net bowler for GT last year). Being a net bowler is not a bad thing. Gives you a lot of exposure. The environment at GT is brilliant,” He added.

In the match, Punjab Kings batted first and posted 153 runs on the board after a below-par performance from their batters. The Titans’ bowlers did an excellent job as well. Punjab were in the game until the penultimate delivery, but unfortunately, Tewatia took the team home in the end.

The Titans will next take on Rajasthan Royals at home, while Punjab Kings will lock horns with Lucknow Super Giants. With the IPL heating up, fans can expect more thrilling encounters in the coming days. Follow NextBet Sports for all updates from IPL 2023.