The devastating injury - a 'twist' in tale

While batting in the short practice session before the match, I knew I was in good touch. I was able to hit the ball all around the field with great ease. I knew that this was going to be my day, and what more the hard surface would definitely aid my bowling style too. But what I didn't know that how special the day was going to be and in what sense... and I found that out an hour later.

We were playing a friendly match with the Hammers. It was a pseudo-360 degree ground and playing in such a ground was a definite plus for players like me. There are less fielders in front of the bat, more gaps to relish and gives room to play those delicate yet sneaky taps behind the wicket for runs. We lost the first wicket pretty early when an unlucky Amar found the bails dislodged by a ball that kept at ankle-height. Urged by team mates to take up the opportunity at number three, I went in beaming with confidence.

I had a ball in the field. An upper cut over the slip region for a couple, a paddle sweep behind the keeper... I was scoring a run every ball. Then came my proudest moment - an off drive bisecting the fielders to the boundary. It was my first boundary with HitNRun and it was exciting, even if it was just a practice match.

During break, the boys were all excited and I was confident of making this innings a big one. But I guess Lady Luck had left the field to enjoy the view elsewhere. I was tormented for an over by a spinner. I kept misreading the line. I felt that I was losing the momentum and the mind-game to the bowler. The next delivery I walked down a couple of steps and hoicked him in the mid-on region for a single. But four paces in, my right foot landed awkwardly and I felt it twist. I felt instant pain and fell down to the ground. A few bruises yes, but the misery was emanating from my ankle. I got up,  limped to the non-strikers and and sat down.

My ankle was twisted and it started swelling up. I was escorted out of the field and hope was that I would still be able to bowl. However, the way my ankle was puffing up, it wasn't to be. I called my friends over who took me to emergency care. The bitter truth was revealed. I had sustained ligament tears in my ankle and would be out for a some time.

And a long time it turned out to be. I am writing this post 9 months since my injury and am still not confident of getting back into the field. I miss cricket. I do other things in weekends but the game I grew with, pricks a memory cell once in a while to inject that enthusiasm to return.