In the high-stakes world of professional cricket, a single injury can derail a promising career. But for Abhishek Reddy, two major surgeries and years away from the pitch weren’t the end of his story—they were just the beginning of an incredible comeback.
His recent, awe-inspiring innings of 247 against Jharkhand in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 isn’t just a personal best; it’s a powerful testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds .
Table of Contents
- From Promise to Peril: Abhishek’s Injury
- The Long Road to Recovery
- Abhishek Reddy 247: A Knock for the Ages
- The Sachin Tendulkar Inspiration
- Why This Comeback Matters to Cricket
- Conclusion: The Essence of Resilience
- Sources
From Promise to Peril: Abhishek’s Injury
Abhishek Reddy, a right-handed batter known for his grit and determination, was on a solid trajectory in his early cricketing days. However, his path took a devastating turn during the 2016 Karnataka Premier League when he suffered a career-threatening Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury .
For any athlete, an ACL tear is a nightmare. The recovery is long, arduous, and success is never guaranteed. For Reddy, it meant an immediate end to his 2016-17 Ranji Trophy season and a future shrouded in uncertainty . The mental toll was just as severe as the physical one; he later admitted, “I had stopped following cricket,” a heartbreaking statement from someone so deeply in love with the game .
The Long Road to Recovery
The road back wasn’t a straight line. It was a grueling journey of rehabilitation, setbacks, and immense mental fortitude. His comeback in the 2018-19 season was tentative, and he was eventually dropped from the team—a crushing blow that could have ended his career for good .
Yet, Reddy chose to persevere. He eventually moved from Karnataka to Andhra Pradesh, seeking a fresh start and a new opportunity to prove his worth. This move would prove to be a pivotal decision in his career.
Abhishek Reddy 247: A Knock for the Ages
Fast forward to November 2025, in Jamshedpur. Facing a strong Jharkhand bowling attack, Abhishek Reddy delivered a performance that will be remembered for years to come. His innings of 247, laced with 20 boundaries and 2 sixes, was the cornerstone of Andhra’s dominant victory by an innings and 81 runs [[3], [6]].
This wasn’t just a big score; it was a statement. It was the culmination of years of silent struggle, sleepless nights, and unwavering belief. He was rightfully named the Man of the Match for his sensational double century .
Here’s a quick look at the impact of his knock:
| Match Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Player | Abhishek Reddy |
| Runs | 247 |
| Balls Faced | 348 |
| Result | Andhra won by an innings and 81 runs |
| Award | Man of the Match |
The Sachin Tendulkar Inspiration
Behind every great athlete is often a source of inspiration. For Abhishek Reddy, that guiding light has always been the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. He has openly shared how Tendulkar’s professional and personal conduct has been a key source of motivation for him throughout his career .
In the face of his own adversity, it’s easy to imagine Reddy drawing strength from Tendulkar’s own stories of resilience—of playing through pain, of fighting back from form slumps, and of an unwavering love for the game. This deep-rooted inspiration helped him maintain his focus during his darkest days.
Why This Comeback Matters to Cricket
Abhishek Reddy’s story is more than just a personal victory. It’s a crucial reminder for the entire cricketing ecosystem:
- Hope for Injured Players: It shows young and established players alike that a career isn’t over after a major injury. With the right mindset and support, a comeback is possible.
- Value of Patience: In an era obsessed with instant T20 success, Reddy’s journey underscores the immense value of patience, long-term development, and faith in the domestic circuit.
- Mental Fortitude is Key: His story highlights that physical recovery is only half the battle. The mental resilience to keep going, to believe in oneself when no one else does, is the true mark of a champion.
Stories like his are what make [INTERNAL_LINK:ranji-trophy] more than just a competition; they transform it into a theatre of human drama and triumph.
Conclusion: The Essence of Resilience
Abhishek Reddy’s 247 is not just a score on a scoreboard. It’s a symbol. It’s a symbol of years spent on hospital beds, of rehabilitation sessions that felt endless, and of a dream that refused to die. His journey from the depths of despair to the pinnacle of domestic success is a powerful narrative that transcends sport. For anyone facing their own personal challenges, Reddy’s story is a beacon of hope, proving that with unwavering determination, incredible comebacks are not just possible—they’re inevitable.
Sources
1. Times of India: Two surgeries, years on hospital beds: Abhishek Reddy’s incredible comeback
2. Sportstar – The Hindu: ‘I had stopped following cricket’
3. ESPNcricinfo Match Scorecard: Andhra vs Jharkhand, Ranji Trophy 2025
4. Andhra Cricket Team Official Social Media