After serving an 18-month ban and battling an emotional turmoil, seamer Pradeep Sangwan has made a remarkable comeback in the domestic circuit.
After serving an 18-month ban and battling an emotional turmoil, seamer Pradeep Sangwan has made a remarkable comeback in the domestic circuit.
While playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the summer of 2013, the Delhi speedster tested positive for stanozolol, a prohibited steroid.
He was soon barred from participating in any BCCI-run events for violating the anti-doping regulations. Owing to enormous support from Delhi’s senior cricketers — Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir — and coaches, Sangwan has learnt from his mistakes.
“It was my fault and I learnt from my mistakes. I always tell people to first talk to the trainer or physio before talking any medication. The BCCI has also given us the Wada list and even educated us,” said the 25-year-old on the eve of Delhi’s Vijay Hazare semi-final clash against Himachal Pradesh.
“Now I’m very scared. I always consult the trainer or physio even to take a multi vitamin tablet. I’m cautious because I don’t want to get banned again,” he explained.
During the hard time, family members motivated Sangwan to overcome the situation.
“They told me I had made a mistake but I shouldn’t look back, instead work hard towards my comeback. My family of course was a great source support,” he added.
After 18 months away from cricket, Sangwan staged a comeback against Vidarbha in the 2014-15 Ranji Trophy season.
“I was frustrated and felt like life had come to a standstill. It was two long years, in which I trained hard but the fact that I could not play frustrated me,” he said. Dur ing the ban, Sangwan trained hard with the athletes and played football to improve his speed and fitness. In the 2015-16 Ranji Trophy season, Sangwan has picked up 32 wickets at an average of 18.21.
