Yash Dhull’s Secret to Success: How Staying Present Fuels His Cricket Comeback

Yash Dhull, the former India U-19 World Cup-winning captain, has embraced a philosophy of living in the moment, propelling him to remarkable performances, such as his explosive 51-ball 105 in the Delhi Premier League (DPL). The 22-year-old right-hander smashed 14 fours and four sixes, guiding Central Delhi Kings to a 15-run victory over North Delhi Strikers in a rain-affected match on Saturday.

In an interview with PTI Videos, Dhull emphasized his focus on capitalizing on immediate opportunities. “I am thinking about how I can grab the opportunity that I have… If you think too much about the future, you can’t play well in the present,” he said. He credits his training at the BCCI Centre of Excellence for refining his ability to switch between white-ball and red-ball cricket, enhancing his adaptability.

Dhull’s journey has not been without challenges. A heart surgery in July last year for a minor congenital condition forced him to confront adversity alone. “That incident helped me a lot because I got to know what all I can do… I knew I was alone, and I had no choice but to make a comeback,” he reflected. His mental resilience and self-belief were pivotal in his return to competitive cricket.

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His coaches, Rajesh Nagar and Pradeep Kochhar, have played a significant role in his development. “They are the ones who taught me everything. I am blessed to have such good coaches,” Dhull said, expressing gratitude for their guidance.

Dhull’s debut Ranji Trophy season in 2021–22 showcased his potential, as he amassed 479 runs in six innings at an average of 119.75, including twin centuries on debut and an unbeaten double century against Chhattisgarh. Following his surgery, the 2023–24 season saw him score 286 runs at an average of 40.90 with two centuries, marking a steady resurgence. In the ongoing DPL, Dhull has accumulated 292 runs in five innings at an average of 146 and a strike rate of 180.25, ranking third among the tournament’s top run-scorers.

The 2024–25 season has brought further refinement to Dhull’s game. He attributes his improved balance to a subtle trigger movement in his batting technique. “You have to make small changes in your life… now everyone is playing at a good level like the IPL, plus video analysis helps oppositions plan better against you,” he explained. He acknowledged the challenge of facing bowlers like Harshit Rana, who represents India internationally, underscoring the need for constant evolution.

Despite his ambitions to play for India, Dhull remains grounded. “It is very important for me to stay in the present because I have made this mistake earlier. I used to think more about the future, I used to think about the past,” he said. His approach is simple: focus on the present, seize opportunities, and trust in his destiny. “I am enjoying this moment and not thinking about things ahead,” he concluded, embodying a mindset that continues to drive his cricketing journey forward.

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