Remembered for his match-winning final over in the inaugural T20 World Cup title clash in 2007, Haryana pacer Joginder Sharma today said the phase after the "big car accident" he suffered exactly two years ago was the "toughest phase of his life".
He added that the possibility of returning to the field had seemed bleak after the accident.
One of the key players in Haryana's scheme of things for several domestic seasons, Joginder today led his team's fight-back with a five-wicket haul in their Ranji Trophy opener against holders Mumbai.
And the first thing he did after the second day's play was to thank former BCCI president Ranbir Singh Mahendra and his physio Amit Tyagi for inspiring him with their motivating words.
Recalling the accident that took place in November 2011, Joginder said, "I am thankful to Ranbir Singh Mahendra and my physio Amit Tyagi as I was coming from a big accident."
Joginder had a fracture and clotting, for which he needed surgery.
Speaking in detail about the time following the mishap and his chances of making a comeback, the modest all-rounder said, "I spoke to the doctor about the injury...Then it seemed comeback was tough but my physio helped, Anirudh Sir helped. I followed the doctor's advice and worked hard.
"After the injury I was in the hospital for 10-11 days and another 3-4 days in ICU. That was followed by 3-4 months' bed rest. After nine months I met the physio. It all seemed tough, in fact the first 4-5 months were the toughest of my life and I don't want to remember that," he said.
