Indian pacer Sandeep Warrier recently opened up about the profound disappointment he felt after suffering a hamstring injury during the Duleep Trophy last September. He viewed that period as a crucial window to reclaim his spot in the national squad, feeling a strong sense of opportunity.
“I genuinely believed that one or two strong performances at that time would have made a significant difference, especially with numerous opportunities on the horizon,” Warrier explained. “There was the India-A tour of Australia, the main India tour of Australia, and even an England tour. To be completely honest, I harbored immense expectations and aspirations before last year’s Duleep Trophy. Up until the moment I got injured, I was anticipating great things to happen. But once the injury struck, I had to accept that it was, once again, beyond my control.”
Reflecting on the setback, he added, “It simply didn’t fall into place for me then. However, my entire focus now is on winning the Ranji Trophy with Tamil Nadu.” Warrier shared these sentiments at the MRF-Pachaiyappa’s ground on Thursday.
When questioned about Tamil Nadu’s prospects for the upcoming Ranji season, his confidence was palpable. “Over the last three to four years, I’ve closely observed how the team has been meticulously building towards lifting that coveted trophy. I strongly believe, with all my heart, that this is the season we will finally clinch it.”
Now 34 and fully recovered, Warrier’s journey back to fitness was not without its hurdles. The hamstring injury reoccurred twice – once during the previous Ranji season and again during the TNPL (Tamil Nadu Premier League). Interestingly, during the TNPL, he was bowling faster than ever, consistently exceeding 140 kph and even touching speeds of 145 kph.
“I recall feeling like I had an incredible running rhythm during the TNPL,” Warrier noted. “But after getting injured once more, I decided I needed to fine-tune my running speed and overall rhythm, whatever you wish to call it.”
He further elaborated on his rehabilitation process: “I collaborated with Bala bhai (former India pacer L. Balaji), Thirukumaran (Tamil Nadu’s bowling coach T. Kumaran), R. Ramkumar (from Jolly Rovers CC, his team in the TNCA first division league), and A.C. Prathiban—depending on who was available—to meticulously work on my running mechanics and run-up rhythm.”