Former Pakistan player Salman Butt was surprised at Indian captain Virat Kohli’s statement regarding Ishant Sharma’s fitness. After India’s defeat to England at Headingley Kohli was asked at a press conference whether Ishant was carrying a niggle, to which Kohli stated he doesn’t have time to look at Ishant Sharma’s run-up.
Notably, Ishant Sharma seemed to be struggling with his fitness during the Headingley Test. He started the proceedings with two no-balls and a wide and ended up bowling 22 overs while conceding 92 runs and went wicketless as well.
In an interaction on his YouTube channel, Salman Butt said: “Ishant Sharma was definitely off the boil and his rhythm wasn’t great, although Kohli negated such views during the press conference. He said that he was so busy in the field, he was looking at the batsman’s bat as he stands at slip. He wasn’t seeing how Ishant Sharma was running. Kohli gave his reply on being asked if the fast bowler had a niggle.”
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“I could not understand the context of Kohli’s reply. When a captain is on the field, he needs to keep a close eye on everything – from a bowler’s run-up till the batter hits the ball. Is Virat Kohli looking at the batsman’s bat even when Ishant Shama is at the start of his run-up? I am quite surprised to know that. Remember, Ishant Sharma runs in from a pretty long distance,” Butt further added.
On the other hand, he believes unless the pitch at The Oval gets changed, pace spearhead Ishant Sharma might not be rested from the upcoming Test as well. However, India lost to England by an innings and 76 runs in the third Test at Headingley after a drawn Test and registering a convincing win at Lord’s. He also said that Ishant Sharma did not look in a great rhythm and he should be rested and either Ashwin or Shardul Thakur should play as well.
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“It doesn’t look like Kohli is in an mood to rest Ishant Sharma unless the pitch demands so. Then, perhaps, Ravichandran Ashwin can come in. A lot of times, experienced players struggle due to some reason or the other. It could be a niggle or a mindset issue as well. At times, some time away from the game is good. Ishant Sharma did not look in any kind of rhythm at Headingley. Given how good a bowler he is, Ishant Sharma was definitely off the boil. I don’t know, maybe a hamstring issue or something. India will definitely know about it. According to me, he can be rested. India can bring in Ashwin or Shardul Thakur, depending on the conditions,” Salman Butt concluded.
