When Yuvraj Singh steps onto the field on Tuesday for theTwenty20 international against New Zealand, it will mark his return tointernational cricket after recovering from a rare germ call cancer. The firstman to achieve this remarkable feat was South African batsman Dave Callaghan,who staged a creditable comeback after being diagnosed with testicular cancer.
In 1992, he made his competitive comeback for EasternProvinces B in a first-class match against Northern Transvaal with ahalf-century to claim the Man-of-the-Match award. A year later, Callaghan wasplaying for South Africa against India in an ODI at Cape Town. The highlight ofhis career, however, was an unbeaten 169 against New Zealand in an ODI atCenturion Park.
Speaking to CricketNext, Callaghan talks about his disease, the toughtimes he encountered, his comeback and his message to Yuvraj Singh.
How much time did it take for you to recover from testicularcancer? How difficult was that period? Who were the people who stood by youduring that time?
My recovery time was approximately five months. I was diagnosed inSeptember 1991 and returned to cricket in February 1992. It was an extremelydifficult time for me and the family. My whole family stood by me throughoutthe process. You need all the support you can get during your recovery period;it was at times very lonely.
Which was your first match after the return? What are yourmemories of the match? Share some emotional moments please. How special was itto win the Man of the Match in the return match?
I played for Eastern Province B in a first-class fixture againstNorthern Transvaal, as a warm up game to the Benson & Hedges day-night gameagainst Transvaal. I have great memories, as I scored 65 on my return to thebig league. It was a very emotional evening all round; to be honest, I was justhappy to be playing again. The Man-of-the-Match award was a bonus.
Did you feel any weakness or face certain difficulty whileplaying cricket after the return?
No, I had physically prepared well for the return match. The onlyconcern I had on the evening was "did I have enough match practice?"but then the adrenalin takes over and your natural ability suddenly comes backvery quickly
Your first international match after return was against India.Your memories ...
Almost a year later to the day I played against India at Newlandsin my debut game. In a year I had changed as a player. Cricket wasn'teverything. I realised that there is so much more to life. I had a far moredetermined attitude, but at times I had a carefree approach to my batting on myreturn which made me play better cricket. I felt I had became more of anentertainer, which the spectators want to watch, and with this my confidencegrew.
How did your team-mates react?
Although many of my team-mates came to see me in hospital, many ofthem visited me at home and asked of my health when I went to practice. Twentyyears ago, people were still a little skeptical about cancer. Although I didn'tpractice, I used to assist the bowlers and then with the fielding practice,until I felt tired.
How did you feel when you scored 169 against New Zealand? Was itthe best innings of your career?
The innings against New Zealand was certainly the best innings I haveever played. It was a wonderful opportunity to be able to open the batting on agreat wicket. All top sportsmen have a day when everything clicks and you arein the so called 'zone'. Nothing seemed to go wrong and everything come out themiddle of the bat. As the innings grew, my confidence grew, and before I knewit, I had carried my bat and the innings was over. I actually do not remembertoo much about the innings.
How is life after cancer? Did you face any problem later?
Cancer has left me a better person. Although we all feel down attimes, I still try to live every day as my last. I appreciate so much more.
Your thoughts on Yuvraj Singh as a cricketer? Can he make astrong comeback?
Yuvraj is one of the cricketers I would pay to watch. He is veryexciting to watch and I think this little setback will have given him therenewed energy to succeed for India again. The tough times will have made himfar stronger as an individual, and with his carefree approach to the game, itcould be a lethal combination. He has so much to offer Indian cricket.
What precautions must Yuvraj take? What's your message to him?
Live the moment. Yuvraj must enjoy hisrecognition. He will have inspired so many people during the past 6 months. Heneeds to take this match like any other big match in his career.