shot-button
Subscription Subscription
Home > Sports News > Cricket News > Article > Ishant Sharma needs to learn to bowl wicket taking deliveries Kapil Dev

Ishant Sharma needs to learn to bowl wicket-taking deliveries: Kapil Dev

Updated on: 07 November,2016 05:47 PM IST  | 
PTI |

Former India captain Kapil Dev feels that despite all his talent, speedster Ishant Sharma lacks the ability to bowl "wicket-taking deliveries" more consistently

Ishant Sharma needs to learn to bowl wicket-taking deliveries: Kapil Dev

Ishant Sharma
Ishant Sharma needs to be be more consistent in his bowling, feels Kapil Dev


New Delhi: Former India captain Kapil Dev feels that despite all his talent, speedster Ishant Sharma lacks the ability to bowl "wicket-taking deliveries" more consistently.


Ishant, who missed the series against New Zealand due to Chikungunya, is back in the squad for the upcoming England Tests starting November 9 in Rajkot. 


The lanky pacer's Test statistics of 209 Test wickets from 72 games with a strike rate of 66.6 (nearly 11 and half overs for a wicket) stick out like a sore thumb and Kapil said he has to strive for consistency.

"I think Ishant is a very good bowler. He is a genuine quick bowler with great height. But he has to develop the wicket-taking ball, that ability to take wickets at crucial times. Perhaps that's where he is lacking. There is no shortage of ability and talent but somewhere the talent to take wickets is missing," Kapil told PTI during an interaction organised by the Star Sports ahead of the five-match India-England series starting on Wednesday.

For the record, Kapil took 300 wickets in 83 Tests with most of them on Indian batting feather-beds. Asked what Ishant needs to do in order to break partnerships on batting tracks, Kapil said he expects the lanky fast bowler to be more disciplined.

Kapil Dev
Kapil Dev

"One needs to bowl better, consistently bowl a better line and length. It's not about bowling two very good deliveries in an over but you have to bowl five good balls. Then only you can pick up more wickets."

Recently, chairman of selectors MSK Prasad spoke about the search for 'Next Kapil Dev' which is on for the last 22 years since he retired from Test cricket with 434 wickets and 5000 plus runs in Test cricket. 

With Hardik Pandya looking set for a Test debut as an all-rounder, Kapil said it is difficult to have equal success in both departments considering the amount of cricket that that Indian team plays nowadays. "Today's cricket is too demanding. There is bound to be injuries. You play 10 months in a year. It's not easy for an all-rounder to continue playing and performing in both departments."

Ask him about Hardik Pandya being considered the next Kapil Dev, he answered: "You don't have to find somebody. Every player will come with his own ability to make his own name. Can India find another Sachin Tendulkar, another Sunil Gavaskar?"

"I think everybody comes out with his own performance and personality. It is very difficult to start looking for somebody. My idea is that you should pick the best player around and make him a better player."

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK