Yash Dhull (Image credit: Instagram)
NEW DELHI: Life was incredibly difficult and frustrating for Yash Dhull as he spent months confined to the four corners of a room. Bedridden after heart surgery, the 2022 Under-19 World Cup-winning captain has been slowly recovering while battling a constant urge to return to the middle and play cricket again.Dhull was diagnosed with a hole in his heart after his family urged him to see a doctor. He had been experiencing symptoms for some time – shortness of breath, constant fatigue, lack of energy and sudden weight loss. As the symptoms worsened, medical tests confirmed the condition, forcing the young cricketer to retire from the game to focus on treatment and recovery.
Yash Dhull Exclusive: Heart surgery, recovery and the dream of a senior World Cup
“It happened many times that after playing a whole match, like a national match, I felt extremely tired and felt that my fitness was gradually decreasing. Later, when I was in the camp, the problem was detected. I had tests done again and that’s when we found out exactly what it was. Even the doctors were a bit surprised – they asked how I was still playing. I didn’t realize it before, but once it was detected,” said Dhull. TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview.“At that time, the timeline was not clear because there was no other option than surgery. My thinking was clear and my family also believed that doing it at the right time was a better option because the problem could have worsened later. For me, health is everything. My thinking was simple – if I’m fit, everything else will slowly come back. It takes time, but things will gradually fall into place. If you can’t move and be mentally or physically fit, my problem was the first. then you’ll see how things develop go on,” he said.After heart surgery, Dhull was bedridden for several days. On medical advice, he was told not to travel or play cricket for some time.But the determined youngster had just one question for the doctor – and he asked it almost every day: “Main kab se cricket khel sakta hoon?” (When can I start playing cricket again?) “That time was tough. I was itching to get back to the half. When I started running again, it just didn’t work. Even completing one lap was very difficult. It slowly started to improve. I even tried to play in the DPL in the first year, but it was not possible because my heart rate and BP went very high. It was very risky because my BP could suddenly shoot back up for the season, so I started to prepare for the season. improve gradually, when on them you rush, they don’t work if you do it one step at a time, it takes time but eventually things will come back,” said Yash Dhull, who led India to the 2022 U19 World Cup title.DHULL’S NEXT GOAL: THE SENIOR WORLD CUPDhull is one of the few captains to have led India to the Under-19 World Cup title.India have won the Under-19 ODI World Cup a record six times — in 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, 2022 and 2026. Winning captains include Mohammad Kaif (2000), Virat Virat (2008), Unmukt Chand (2012), Shall (082) Prith Ayush Mhatre (2026). But for Dhull, the Under-19 World Cup is not just a memory. His next goal is clear — to represent India at the senior World Cup.“I talk to players like Rishabh Pant, Ishant Sharma and Axar Patel. I am very close to them and you learn a lot just by being around them. You watch what they do and how they go about their work and that helps a lot. They always told me to prepare so that when the opportunity comes, you don’t miss it,” he said.Due to health issues and surgery, Dhull – who played for Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League from 2022 to 2024 – did not sell in the 2026 IPL auction.“Yes, you feel a little disappointed, but at the same time, you can’t dwell on that feeling. You have to get back to your work. If you stay stuck on one thing, you won’t be able to focus on the opportunities in front of me. Right now, I’m waiting to see what opportunities come my way. Whatever comes, I prepare for it and I’m ready. Anything can change at any time in life – so I prepare for it at any time – Dhum.”“The dream is to play in the senior World Cup. I am sure one day I will play. Every cricketer dreams of representing India in the World Cup,” he said.
