India opener Abhinav Mukund plays a pull shot during his innings of 81 against Sri Lanka on Day Three of the first Test in Galle yesterday. Pic/AFP

Most cricketers have to deal with the uncertainties of sport on a daily basis and the ups and downs that life in the fast lane dish out, but few have to wait six years between international matches. Abhinav Mukund, who emulated Shikhar Dhawan in grabbing the rare opportunity that came to him through injury to India's first choice openers, had all but turned his back on the game not long ago.