'To hell and back' is how one can describe young leg-spinner Rahul Sharma's career in the past couple of seasons but the lanky Punjab lad is all focussed on performing his heart out for the Delhi Daredevils in IPL-7, thanks to words of wisdom from Anil Kumble and Yuvraj Singh.
When the police revealed that he had tested positive for consuming recreational drugs at a rave party after the 2012 IPL season, Rahul, then a 25-year-old upcoming star of Indian cricket was left shell shocked.
But a pat on the back and some necessary guidance from former India captain Kumble and his senior statemate Yuvraj helped him get his focus back on his game.
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"BCCI helped me a lot to overcome that period. My idol Anil Kumble, Yuvi paaji, my coaches, family and friends supported me and helped me forget that period. Anil bhai, Yuvi paaji and even Virat Kohli encouraged me and told me to concentrate on my game," Rahul told PTI in an interview here.
"I have overcome that incident which to some extent affected my game. I have come out of that phase. I am feeling great at the moment. My bowling is also looking good. Cricket is everything to me and I am looking forward to having a good IPL season with the Delhi Daredevils franchise," said Rahul.
"I had spoken to mediapersons on this topic when I was part of the India 'A' tour. I had said I was not involved (in the consumption of drugs). I remained disturbed for a year or so. It was a very tough period. I had never thought that such thing would happen to me. I was shocked. I was feeling low," Rahul said.
The 27-year-old Rahul wants to give his all for the Delhi Daredevils in order to get back into the India side.
"I would give my 100 per cent in the IPL to get into the Indian side. I have full faith in my abilities. It feels great to be part of the Delhi Daredevils family," he said.
