"Someone from GT reaches out as soon as they know a player is injured": Pacer Mohit Sharma

In the previous season of IPL, the bowler has been phenomenal for the Gujarat-based franchise in the death overs as well as the middle overs. He has stepped up for GT whenever they have required a breakthrough in IPL 2023.

After making his debut in the 2013 season of the IPL, the 35-year-old has played 100 matches and bagged 119 wickets at an economy rate of 8.41.

While speaking in an episode of GT Intermission, Mohit said that after the end of the IPL 2023 season, he took a break for a few months after that appeared in the Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he sustained an injury.

The pacer added that the Gujarat-based franchise helps their players with the "rehab, and the scans" whenever a cricketer from GT is injured. Mohit added that in his case GT handled everything "right from scratch".

"Time flew in these past nine months, I did not realise. It feels like the season just got over. So, in a way, I have been occupied throughout. I was at home for a month post-IPL. After which I went to London. It was a family holiday, so I spent some time there. Thereafter we had practice. Then we started preparing ourselves for the Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Then I was injured. Then I went to rehab after that. Anyway, I am constantly in touch with Ashish Nehra and Vickram Solanki. I think within 24 hours of getting injured, someone from GT reaches out as soon as they know a player is injured and then they help you with carrying the process forward how to go about it, the rehab, and the scans. In my case, they have handled all of it right from scratch till now. So there were some mixed emotions. By the time I got fit, the IPL season had begun," Mohit said.

The 35-year-old further added that now he will be focusing on his training to keep his body fit during the 17th season of the IPL.

"This year, I have constantly been in touch with Ashish Nehra regarding my injuries. We spoke about how to manage that. Now my target is to enjoy while playing and training. I am trying to keep my body fit. I am working on my fitness. Gradually, we will find out what the season holds for us,"

Last year's runners-up Gujarat Titans and five-time champions Mumbai Indians will square off against each other in a mouth-watering campaign opening clash on March 24 at Ahmedabad.

The fixture has gained a lot of hype because of star all-rounder Hardik Pandya's move to his former franchise MI following two great seasons with GT, which saw him win the trophy with the side as captain in their debut season back in 2022.

Pandya will be leading MI this time, replacing Rohit Sharma while Shubman Gill has taken over the captaincy of GT.

The 17th season of the IPL will start on Friday, with defending champions Chennai set to clash with Bengaluru in the Southern derby at MA Chidambaram Stadium. (ANI)