March 29, 2024

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If Fit, Ishant Sharma Should Have Played in Rajkot Test

If Fit, Ishant Sharma Should Have Played in Rajkot Test

By: Sandipan Bose

Ishant

It was rather surprising when the Indian team management opted for Umesh Yadav ahead of Ishant Sharma in the playing XI of opening Test match against England in Rajkot.

Of course, Sharma was down with chikungunya and struggled his way up to stage a comeback at the highest level. But the Delhi pacer followed the process and picked him to play Ranji games to prove his fitness bit.

Ishant wasn’t in his element when he played the first Ranji match for Delhi in Kolkata. He kept fighting against all odds and was able to beat his joint pain.

Eventually, he was picked for the first two Tests and before the Rajkot game could start. There was speculation of Hardik Pandya making it to the XI, indicating that Ishant would be out of contention.

Read More: Warm-up Games Going Out of Fashion?

Read More: Bhuvneshwar, KL Rahul to Prove Fitness

Eventually, it happened on expected line and Ishant was dropped. At the same time, both Mohammad Shami and Yadav were rewarded for their consistent shows. But in terms of experience, Ishant should be the first choice of the team, which wasn’t the case.

Perhaps, the team management wanted to assess Ishant’s fitness more putting his name in the players’ list. But after checking the facts, it was revealed that Ishant was indeed dropped from the playing XI.

Perhaps, the management would bring him back later on in the series, who know! But one thing is certain: Ishant being the most important fast-bowler in the India set-up, keeping him away from serious cricket won’t be a good idea if he is fit. He is a rhythm bowler and the best way to justify his selection is to make him play and nothing else!

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