Suyash Sharma, a young leg-spinner for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), recently revealed how he grieved for many hours after being rejected during the U-19 trials last year. In his disappointment, he even shaved his head.
Suyash has been one of KKR’s unexpected success stories in the ongoing season of Indian Premier League (IPL). He has taken 10 wickets in 9 innings, with an average of 28 and an economy rate of 8. Suyash’s unusual bowling movement and rapid arm speed have made him tough to pick.
The teenager detailed his journey from going bald to sporting long hair in a video released on the Indian Premier League’s Twitter handle. He said:
“Last year, I gave U-19 trials and I did very well, but I wasn’t selected. The list came around 12:30-1 after midnight and I had slept. I woke up at around 3 and I was crying from 3 am to 5 am. They just called me once, saying that they want to see me and then they told me that they wouldn’t entertain me. I went crying from there as well.
“After that, I went home, I shaved my head.” Suyash continued, “I was really disappointed thinking – why did it happen with me? What was my fault? I am doing well; still this is happening with me. I was really down. But, after that, I was determined. I told myself that I will improve my skills to such an extent that they will take me from my home.”
Suyash Sharma commented about his long hair, which has also garnered attention in addition to his bowling skills:
“After that [U-19 rejection], my hair grew and then I was also doing well in matches, so I thought… The hairstyle suited me as well. That’s why I am not cutting my hair.”
On April 6, Suyash entered as the Impact Player in a game against RCB and registered the figures of 3/30. He has continued to contribute by getting wickets in the subsequent games.
Suyash Sharma on getting picked by KKR – “I was not expecting this could happen”
Suyash Sharma charmed many people during his KKR tryouts, but he openly acknowledged that he did not expect to be selected by the team at the IPL auction.
The youngster described his interesting journey by saying:
“When I came for KKR trials, everyone appreciated me, but nobody gave me any hint that they would pick me straight from the trials. A lot of trials happen. Then the auction happened. I was coming back from another trial match. When I got down from the auto, I started getting a lot of calls. Then I felt, maybe I have been selected.
“My father was at the airport, he was crying. I cannot express that feeling because I was not expecting that this [selection for KKR] could happen.”
Suyash participated in KKR’s game against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on May 11 at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. He entered as the impact player and conceded 22 runs in 3 overs.
