Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) legspinner Suyash Sharma has revealed he was grappling with a serious medical issue that almost derailed his IPL 2025 campaign before it even started. In a candid interview, the 21-year-old disclosed that he had been dealing with multiple hernias and underwent major surgery just weeks before the start of the season — an ordeal that left his availability in serious doubt.
Speaking about his condition, Suyash said, “We were practicing in February, and for two years, I had something going on. I was taking injections just to stay on the field. We couldn’t even diagnose the issue properly in India. Eventually, RCB sent me to London for surgery. That was when we found out I had hernias in three different places.”
Despite the severity of his condition, Suyash managed a rapid recovery and surprised even himself by making it to the season opener against his former team, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), on March 22. “I honestly didn’t expect to play the first match. I was told I’d be ready after three or four games. But the support I received in London from James Pipe [RCB’s physio] and his family was incredible. They treated me like one of their own, and that really helped me recover faster. I’m thankful to this franchise for showing that kind of belief in me.”
Struggles Before Recognition
Suyash’s journey has not been easy. Before earning his IPL break with KKR in 2023, he had been playing through pain without even knowing the true cause. “The toughest part was not even knowing what I was dealing with. When you’re already part of a franchise or the national team, the resources are available. But I had this injury when I wasn’t even playing for any team,” he said.
He went to a local physio at the time, who misdiagnosed the issue, delaying treatment and extending his suffering. “I didn’t know much at that point. I was just told it was a minor thing, and I believed it. That made everything harder — mentally and physically.”
After making his IPL debut as a 19-year-old for KKR in 2023, Suyash showed promise, picking up 10 wickets in 11 games. However, his opportunities dried up in 2024, where he played only two matches, went wicketless, and was subsequently released by the franchise — despite KKR winning the title that season.
That’s when RCB came calling, buying him for INR 2.6 crore at the 2025 mega auction — a bold move considering his recent form and injury history. But the team management believed in his potential and backed him through his recovery phase.
Quiet Numbers, But a Big Role
While the raw numbers haven’t been spectacular — 4 wickets in 9 matches at an average of 69.75 — Suyash has still been an important part of RCB’s campaign. His leg-spin has provided variety to a bowling unit built around pace and allround options. With RCB sitting on 14 points and in strong contention for a playoff berth, the team has shown faith in Suyash’s role, trusting that his contributions go beyond the wickets column.
RCB next face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium — a crucial fixture as they look to seal their playoff spot. A good performance from Suyash against a seasoned side like CSK could help him rediscover his rhythm and silence critics who have questioned his selection.
A Story of Resilience
Suyash’s story is one of resilience, trust, and support. It highlights how franchises like RCB are increasingly investing not just in players’ on-field skills but also their long-term health and potential. “I owe a lot to RCB,” Suyash said. “They didn’t just see me as a player — they supported me like family. That kind of environment gives you confidence, especially when you’re recovering from something major.”
While his stats this season haven’t mirrored his best, his determination to bounce back from a career-threatening condition has not gone unnoticed. His is a reminder that every player has a story behind the scenes — and sometimes, just stepping onto the field is a victory in itself.
