Ishant Sharma’s Inspiring Advice Boosts Divij Mehra’s Performance
Some players in domestic cricket elevate their performance when facing formidable opponents like Mumbai, and Divij Mehra is a prime example. The 23-year-old fast bowler delivered a stunning performance, claiming five wickets for 64 runs in 31 overs, helping Delhi restrict Mumbai to 317 runs on Day Three of their final Ranji Trophy league match. This achievement marks Mehra’s second five-wicket haul in first-class cricket, echoing his earlier success against the same team in January 2023, when he took five for 30, leading Delhi to an eight-wicket victory—its first over Mumbai in over 40 years.
A Remarkable Comeback
Divij Mehra’s journey has been fraught with challenges, primarily due to injuries that sidelined him for significant periods. After his impressive five-wicket haul against Mumbai in January 2023, he faced a series of setbacks, including a heel injury that prevented him from participating in the IPL with Punjab Kings. “I had a spur in my heel, so I had to get that bone removed. I spent the next 1.5 years recovering from that injury,” Mehra explained. His struggles continued with a hip flexor injury that kept him off the field for two more seasons. Despite these hurdles, Mehra remained determined to return to form, stating, “I was feeling very bad sitting at home. If I had played in those two seasons, I would’ve been somewhere else.”
Learning from the Best
Mehra credits much of his recent success to the guidance he received from seasoned players like Ishant Sharma and Rishabh Pant. He spent considerable time with Ishant during the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he learned about training routines and areas for improvement. “Ishant bhaiya told me that I needed to pull up my socks to be a better bowler in white-ball cricket,” Mehra noted. Both Ishant and Rishabh provided valuable insights, emphasizing the need for Mehra to enhance his pace and variation. “They both spoke with me in detail and told me that whatever I am doing is not enough in white-ball cricket,” he added, highlighting the constructive criticism he received.
Emotional Victory Against Mumbai
After achieving his five-wicket haul against Mumbai, Mehra was visibly emotional, reflecting on the significance of the moment. “I became a bit emotional because before this season began, I told my father that we are playing against Mumbai again. I will try to repeat that feat,” he shared. His determination to make a comeback was evident as he played all matches for the Delhi Under-23 team, waiting for his opportunity in the senior squad. “It’s special to take a five-for against Mumbai in Mumbai. The way it plays as a team is something that our inexperienced team can learn from,” Mehra concluded, expressing his admiration for the Mumbai team and his aspirations for future performances.
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