Ishant Sharma’s Tough Love: The Secret Behind Divij Mehra’s Stunning Ranji Trophy Comeback

In the high-stakes world of domestic cricket, where careers can be made or broken in a single over, a young bowler’s resilience is often forged in the fires of adversity. For Divij Mehra, that fire burned for two long seasons. Now, he’s emerged not just healed, but hardened, delivering a performance that has sent shockwaves through the Ranji Trophy.

Mehra’s recent five-wicket haul against the mighty Mumbai wasn’t just a statistical achievement; it was a powerful statement of intent. And behind this remarkable resurgence lies a story of grit, guidance, and the unflinching honesty of a senior pro. This is the story of how Ishant Sharma’s “strong words” became the catalyst for a young star’s rebirth.

Table of Contents

• The Epic Comeback: Mehra vs. Mumbai, Round Two
• The Dark Years: A Career on Hold
• Divij Mehra and the Mentor: Ishant Sharma’s Crucial Role
• What Comes Next for the Young Pacer?
• Conclusion
• Sources

The Epic Comeback: Mehra vs. Mumbai, Round Two

For Divij Mehra, facing Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy carries a unique weight. Back in the 2022-23 season, in just his second first-class match, the then-rookie pacer stunned everyone by claiming a five-wicket haul against the 42-time champions [[22]]. It was a dream debut that promised a bright future. But fate had other plans.

Fast forward to the 2025-26 season, and history has repeated itself in the most poetic way. Once again, Mehra found himself in the thick of the action against Mumbai, and once again, he delivered a match-altering spell of 5 wickets [[1], [9]]. This time, however, the victory was far sweeter. It wasn’t just about talent; it was about triumph over a grueling two-year injury layoff that threatened to derail his career before it truly began [[20], [26]].

This performance is more than just a personal milestone; it’s a massive boost for the Delhi side, which has been battling its own challenges. In a tournament where experience and composure are paramount, Mehra’s ability to step up under pressure marks him as a player of immense potential.

The Dark Years: A Career on Hold

The initial burst of success in 2022-23 was quickly followed by a devastating setback. Mehra suffered a severe injury—a bone spur in the heel of his landing foot—which required extensive rehabilitation and kept him out of competitive cricket for two full seasons [[25], [26]]. For any athlete, such a prolonged absence is mentally and physically taxing. For a young cricketer trying to establish himself, it can be career-ending.

During this period, Mehra’s name faded from the headlines. While his peers were racking up runs and wickets, he was confined to the gym and physio’s table, fighting to regain his strength and rhythm. The road back from such an injury is rarely linear, filled with setbacks and moments of doubt. Yet, Mehra persevered, driven by a desire to prove that his initial success was no fluke.

Divij Mehra and the Mentor: Ishant Sharma’s Crucial Role

This is where the narrative takes a pivotal turn. In the crucible of his recovery, Mehra found an unlikely but invaluable ally in senior Indian pacer Ishant Sharma. Known for his fiery temperament on the field, Ishant’s off-field persona is that of a dedicated mentor, especially to the younger players in the Delhi camp.

According to Mehra, it was Ishant’s direct and sometimes harsh feedback that became his guiding light. “He didn’t sugarcoat anything,” Mehra has been quoted as saying. “He told me exactly what I needed to work on, from my run-up to my mindset [[12]].” This “tough love” approach, far from being discouraging, provided the young pacer with a clear roadmap for his comeback.

Ishant’s mentorship went beyond technical advice. He shared his own experiences of battling injuries and the mental fortitude required to return to the top of your game. This blend of practical wisdom and emotional support proved to be the perfect recipe for Mehra’s revival. Their connection, forged in the Delhi Premier League and other local tournaments [[10]], created a trusted environment where honest critique could flourish.

What Comes Next for the Young Pacer?

With his confidence restored and his form proven against the best in the domestic circuit, the future looks incredibly bright for Divij Mehra. His right-arm medium pace, coupled with a newfound maturity, makes him a compelling prospect for higher honors.

Here’s what his immediate roadmap might look like:

• Consistency in the Ranji Trophy: Building on this performance to deliver match-winning spells consistently throughout the season.
• National U-23 or India A Consideration: A string of strong performances will inevitably put him on the national selectors’ radar for age-group or ‘A’ team tours.
• IPL Opportunities: Franchises are always on the lookout for young, hungry talent with a proven track record. His story of resilience is a compelling one for any team.

His journey is a testament to the fact that raw talent is only half the battle. The other half is fought in the mind, and with the right support system—like the one provided by a seasoned campaigner like Ishant Sharma—even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome.

Conclusion

Divij Mehra’s five-wicket haul against Mumbai is more than just a cricketing feat; it’s a human story of resilience, mentorship, and redemption. His two-year battle with injury could have been the end of his story, but instead, it became the foundation for a far more powerful beginning. Guided by the “strong words” and unwavering support of Ishant Sharma, Mehra has not only returned to the field but has done so with a vengeance. For fans of Indian cricket, his journey is a thrilling reminder that the next generation of stars is already here, fighting their way to the top.

Sources

• Sportstar (The Hindu): Ranji Trophy: Divij Mehra makes emotional return to First-Class cricket with a five-wicket haul
• Times of India: How Ishant Sharma’s strong words helped Divij Mehra raise his game
• News18: After Three Flights in Two Days, Divij Mehra’s First-class Journey Takes Off With a Fifer Against Mumbai
• Mid-Day: Pacer Divij Mehra’s fifer leads Delhi’s fightback against Mumbai again
• ESPNcricinfo: MUM vs DELHI Cricket Scorecard, Elite, Group D at Mumbai, Jan 17 – 20, 2026