MANCHESTER, England, (CMC) – Few players in cricket can electrify a game like Deandra Dottin. So, when the West Indies superstar limped off during warm-ups before a critical Women’s Premier League (WPL) playoff earlier this year, fans held their breath.
What followed was a gruelling rehabilitation journey, one that tested her physically and emotionally, but now, as she shines in The Hundred for Manchester Originals, the “World Boss” is back, and her return couldn’t come at a better time.
What seemed like a routine warm-up session turned into a nightmare for Dottin. “I tore the patella tendon ligament, just a slight tear, but it happened at the worst possible moment,” she recalled.
The injury ruled her out of the WPL playoffs and, later, the West Indies’ entire season, including the heartbreaking ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers in Pakistan, where the team narrowly missed securing a spot in the global tournament.
Her recovery, initially projected at 12 weeks, stretched longer as medical staff worked to address the root cause.
“We had to assess the source of the injury before starting therapy. The process was frustrating, but necessary. I wanted to be back out there, but I knew I had to be patient.”
For a player known for her explosive performances, being sidelined was torture. “I felt miserable, I just wanted to play cricket.” That pain was magnified during the World Cup Qualifiers, where she could only watch as the West Indies fell short.
She also missed the team’s tours of England and South Africa, though she took pride in the young players stepping up. “Realeanna Grimmond and Jahzara Claxton showed great promise in England. Even in tough conditions, they led from the front. That’s the future of our cricket.”
Now fully fit, Dottin is making waves in The Hundred, proving she hasn’t lost her touch. Her return is a major boost for the West Indies, especially with next year’s T20 World Cup on the horizon.
Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledged the mental and physical growth she’s gained. “Everything happens for a reason,” she said. “This injury made me understand my body better, appreciate the game more, and come back stronger.”
For Dottin, the road back was long and winding, but worth every step. And as she prepares to don the maroon once again, fans worldwide are ready to welcome back the “World Boss” with open arms.