Rahul Sharma: From facial paralysis to Indian cricket team
The news of Rahul Sharma's selection to the Indian team came as a surprise to the world but for the lanky leg-spinner it is the reward for his long struggle to rise above the heirarchy of the Indian cricket system.
The news of Rahul Sharma's selection to the Indian team came as a surprise to the world but for the lanky leg-spinner it is the reward for his long struggle to rise above the heirarchy of the Indian cricket system.
After suffering a facial paralysis in 2010, Sharma's future was uncertain as he was advised to rest in bed for a period of six months. Sharma's cheerful display at the IPL overshadowed his uneasiness caused by a nerve dysfunction called Bell's Palsy.
Despite having performed well at the Ranji level, it was the Indian Premier League that gave him the real break. Not many would know that he entered the tournament which brought him much fame with the illness.
The dysfunction had also resulted in blurred vision and he admits that he could not sight the ball during that period. Sharma admitted that he had not expected to perform so well but the success was well-deserved.
While the aftermath of the Indian Premier League was a devastating club vs country debate, for Rahul Sharma, it has brought a rather unlikely call-up.