India’s most senior fast bowler Ishant Sharma has recently been the topic of some discussion. A few commentators and pundits have opined that the speedster lacked rhythm in the Kanpur test match against New Zealand, which reflected in the pace and movement off the surface that he got.
However, new Indian bowling coach Paras Mhambrey feels that it is just a matter of time until Ishanth gets going again, having not had a lot of Test cricket in recent times. According to Mhambrey, a couple of overs will help Ishanth regain his lost rhythm, and that will definitely make a difference in the level of his performance.
“Ishant hasn’t played much Test cricket for a long time, He hasn’t played the IPL and the World Cup as well. That does make a difference. Yes, we are working on it. He has got enough experience under his belt.”
he said.
Sharma bowled 22 overs without picking up a single wicket in the Kanpur test, but Mhambrey feels that that is not at all a cause for concern, given that Ishant has loads of experience, having played 105 Test matches in his career thus far.
Mhambrey added that Ishant’s mere presence in the dressing room adds to the team atmosphere, and his experience is vital for the squad.
However, as he is the senior-most in the setup, Mhambrey felt that having Ishant in the dressing room was a massive boost. The bowling coach emphasized that his presence helps other bowlers with him offering the youngsters some guidance. However, Mhambrey admitted that they would work on Ishant’s rhythm that has been pretty erratic.
Some pundits called for Ishant’s exclusion from the squad for the second Test. If that happens, RCB’s third retention, Mohammed Siraj might get an opportunity. We could also see both of them feature in the playing XI in Mumbai, which would imply the omission of one of the three spinners. It remains to be seen what the management decides.
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Mhambrey was non-committal and did not offer any clue as to India’s plans for the Mumbai Test. India fielded three spinners and two quicks at Kanpur, but that could change in Mumbai where the conditions have been slightly damp. The quick bowlers could come into picture more, which might mean India pondering over an extra quick in place of one of the spinners, likely Axar Patel.
Mhambrey did not push aside that possibility and stated that India would decide on the combination on the morning of the Test, although he had no doubts in expressing that each of them were match-winners in their own right.
India’s scheduled training session two days before the test match was cancelled due to inclement weather, and that is probably why there is no clarity on who will feature in the second Test as the team might not have had the chance to assess the pitch and the conditions.
Umesh Yadav was hailed for his performance in the first Test at Kanpur. Playing after a while, he created opportunities with the ball and was sharp with his rhythm. With Ishant off colour, India sorely needed Umesh to step up in Kanpur, and he did that. Mhambrey acknowledged his contribution as “special” and hailed the seamer for his work ethic.
Mhambrey also added that he was glad that he wasn’t part of the decision-making process of who makes way for the returning Indian captain Virat Kohli. There are also doubts surrounding Wriddhiman Saha’s fitness, as he has been nursing a stiff neck. As of now, he has not yet been ruled out, and neither has he been declared fit to play.
