After auction snub, Ishant picked

IT IS UNDERSTOOD THAT KINGS XI PUNJAB, WHOSE PACE ATTACK NEEDS A BIT OF EXPERIENCE, GOT ISHANT ON BOARD

Ishant Sharma was on Tuesday picked by Kings XI Punjab for the IPL, a massive boost to his Twenty20 career after the setback of going unsold in the players’ auction. Currently, India’s senior-most pacer in the Test squad (77 matches), Ishant went unsold at the IPL Players’ auction in February where his base price was R2 crore.

His name came up twice but none of the eight franchises picked him, mainly due to his high base price. However, it is understood that Kings XI Punjab, whose pace attack needs a bit of experience, got Ishant on board. Over the years, Ishant has played for a number of franchises starting from Kolkata Knight Riders, Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rising Pune Supergiants. Seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who played a vital role in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s success last IPL, is determined to contribute in the upcoming edition, particularly in death overs. “This year is going to be a challenge because we have done so well last year. So, there is going to be expectations from us. If we don’t deliver, it does not mean we are not good at it or that was a fluke. It’s going to be an added responsibility this year to replicate the same thing,” he said.

Death bowling plays an important role in the success of a team in the T20 format, he said. “Last year, it was good for us as a bowling unit, as a batting unit as well. If you look particularly at death areas, that was one of the positive things for us.”