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Two DPL tons, 350+ runs, and now a Duleep Trophy call-up – Yash Dhull’s comeback from a heart ailment is nothing short of remarkable.
Yash Dhull celebrates one of his centuries in DPL 2025.
A couple of centuries, more than 350 runs in 6 matches, a strike-rate of 172, 16 sixes, 44 fours, and still counting – that’s how the Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2025 has turned out for Yash Dhull thus far. The numbers look extraordinary, and so has been the journey, especially what transpired between the two DPL seasons.
Exactly a year ago, Dhull was ruled out of the inaugural DPL with a heart issue. Later, it was revealed that the youngster had a 17 mm hole in his heart, and surgery was inevitable. Even after the medical procedure, he tried making a comeback, but his body didn’t permit.
“The doctor clearly said there was no option other than surgery. For a month, I couldn’t even get out of bed. The medicines were so strong that my body wasn’t responding well. My heart rate and BP would shoot up, and I had to back off many times,” Dhull tells CNN-News18 CricketNext.
The doctors warned that a rushed comeback could be fatal. Heavy medication left his body sluggish. With no other options than surrendering to the situation, Dhull stepped back and gave himself time.
“I decided to go slow on myself. I had a month and a half to recover and get ready for Ranji Trophy,” he said.
The decision paid off, and he was right there in Delhi’s Ranji Trophy side, fit and fine. Came the fixture against Tamil Nadu at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in October 2024, where he had the loudest of roars. While Delhi’s batting crumbled against the likes of Washington Sundar and Gurjapneet Singh, Dhull fought with an unbeaten 105.
“That innings holds a special place in my heart. It was a pressure game; the opposition was strong. I was aiming to play as long as possible. Even my family had doubts if I could play that longer. But I went for it, played the entire day and got the hundred. It still feels special,” Dhull said.
It’s been a while since Dhull’s competitive return, and the intensity and aggression he showed initially remain unchanged.
In the DPL 2025, the 24-year-old has appeared hungry for runs. The centuries, against Central Delhi & New Delhi, speak volumes about his determination.
“Before the season, it was very clear to me that the DPL was extremely important. I had been preparing for this tournament for a long time because it gives players a platform to come back and make a name again,” he said.
“Because of the surgery, I had fallen behind and couldn’t play for a long time. That’s why when I made my comeback, emotions took over. Just being able to play again was tough, so returning to the field was a very emotional moment for me,” he added.
Dhull’s shot to fame was in 2022 when he led India to their 5th Under-19 World Cup title. The impact was such that he was signed by Delhi Capitals the same year, but ahead of IPL 2025, he was not only released by the franchise but also failed to attract any buyer at the mega auction.
The setback was disheartening, but he knows how to be back in the reckoning.
“Yes, I was disappointed during the IPL, but I told myself that I have to perform wherever I get chances. I’ve kept my target simple – whenever I get an opportunity, I will play well,” he said.
Sharing the Delhi Capitals dressing room with former captain Rishabh Pant and ex-coach Ricky Ponting was enlightening. He may have gotten fewer chances – four games – but the takeaways were eye-opening. The failures might have stung at times, but Dhull, taking a leaf out of the books of Pant and Ponting, has always looked to improve.
“Pant and Ponting always used to tell me, ‘Wait for your right time, and keep yourself ready.’ That’s exactly what I did. I kept improving step by step. I believe that ups and downs are necessary in life because they teach you the most,” Dhull said.
“I never had self-doubt. My family always supported me, and I kept faith that when the right time comes, I’ll perform well,” he added.
Patience and obstinacy to excel have handed him a second chance to flourish – a call-up for the Duleep Trophy. Dhull has been picked in the North Zone squad, which includes the likes of Shubman Gill, Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh. The domestic season begins on August 28, and Dhull is treating it as a second chance in his career.
“For me, playing the Duleep Trophy again is a big opportunity. It’s the perfect platform for me to express myself. It could also mark a new beginning in my career,” Dhull said.
The youngster, who defeated a heart ailment with his determination, is now moving ahead one step at a time. Unlike in the past years, when he was an overthinker, he now likes to stay in the moment.
“I’ve made a few changes in my approach. Earlier, I used to think too much about the future or the past. But when you’re stuck in either, you miss out on the opportunities in the present because your mind is elsewhere,” Dhull said.
“For me, it’s important now to stay in the present and make the most of every chance and every game that comes my way. I don’t think too much about what lies ahead, nor do I dwell on what’s behind. I try to stay in the present and enjoy each moment,” he added.
A cricket enthusiast whose dreams of playing for India paved the way for a compelling journey in journalism. With a comprehensive coverage spanning international and domestic cricket across formats, I have had …Read More
A cricket enthusiast whose dreams of playing for India paved the way for a compelling journey in journalism. With a comprehensive coverage spanning international and domestic cricket across formats, I have had … Read More
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