Spotlight on Ishant in Duleep final
CHANCE After being in wilderness for long, the India pacer will look to prove himself
LUCKNOW: Seamer Ishant Sharma was the first to take a close look at the 22-yard strip at the Ekana Stadium on Sunday as soon as the covers were removed.
Immediately after this, he got busy bowling with the pink ball at the practice pitch adjacent to the main wicket. After sending down a few stock deliveries, Ishant bowled bouncers at the batsmen who struggled to fend them off.
Ishant last played a Test in March, against Australia at Ranchi. For the last six months, he has not represented India in any format. After being instructed to play the Duleep Trophy in Kanpur last week for the Suresh Raina-led India Blue against India Green, Ishant could bowl only seven overs as rain washed out the match.
So, it will be an opportunity for the newly-appointed captain of the Delhi Ranji side, when he takes the field for India Blue against India Red in the five-day Duleep Trophy final, starting on Monday. “It’s an important game for everyone including Ishant,” India Blue skipper Suresh Raina said on Sunday. “We couldn’t get match practice due to rain in the last two matches. But we are a balanced side. The presence of Ishant and Pankaj Singh is a big boost to our confidence.”
He, however, admitted that five-day cricket demands character, strength and courage as patience remains the key to success. “For me, getting a good start ahead of the domestic season is important and I am happy that I am in good nick with the willow. I hope my bat continues to do the talking here too.”
Rival skipper Dinesh Karthik claimed that even after losing a number of key players, his side, India Red, had enough good players. “Many of our players have joined the India A, but it makes no difference to us as we have good young players, who are capable of taking up the challenge,” he said before adding, “It’s a good opportunity for the youngsters.”
(India Red) 224 in match against India Green.
(India Red) 171 in two matches with 100* against India Green.
(India Green) 157 in one match with 120 against India Red. (India Blue) 149 in two matches with 133 against
India Red.