Ranji Trophy: Cancer survivor Kamal Singh hits century on debut for Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand’s Kamal Singh slammed a century against Maharashtra on Thursday, three years after being told that he was suffering from leukemia. The 18-year-old opener scored 101 in Uttarakhand’s first innings, propelling his side to a respectable 251.

Singh started well in the second innings too and was unbeaten at 40 at the end of the day three’s play with Uttarakhand at 103/2.

Singh was seen as a promising candidate in age-group cricket. The teenager, who hails from Haldwani near Nainital, didn’t play for a year after being diagnosed with cancer.

“It was the second stage and I was told that 47% of my body was affected by it,” Singh told Indian Express. “I was 15 when I suffered cancer. One year, I couldn’t do anything. I had leukemia, my family didn’t tell me much then. I used to often fall ill and my platelet count would drop rapidly.”

He added, “Later when we went to Fortis Hospital in Noida, I was just told that I have blood infection. I heard the doctor saying I have cancer. I told myself now that I am getting treatment I shouldn’t worry much.

“The doctor said chances of recovery are high. The doctor said at this age the body recovers quickly. I underwent five rounds of chemotherapy. I had no idea what it meant. I had positive people around me who motivated and kept me happy,” he is quoted as saying.

Singh was backed by his father in particular and recovered in a year’s time. Immediately after recovery, Singh went back to the grind and was selected to play for Uttarakhand, who now had an association under the new BCCI structure.

Read the full story of Kamal Singh Kaniyal here.

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