Kolkata Knight Riders' bowling coach Wasim Akram says the third edition of the Indian Premier League will see Ishant Sharma back to his menacing best
Kolkata Knight Riders' bowling coach Wasim Akram says the third edition of the Indian Premier League will see Ishant Sharma back to his menacing best
Kolkata Knight Riders' bowling coach Wasim Akram is confident that the third edition of the Indian Premier League will see paceman Ishant Sharma at his best.
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KKR bowling coach Wasim Akram with Ishant Sharma |
"Ishant was down when it came to self confidence and belief. His morale was low which can happen to any cricketer but you will see a change in the IPL," said Akram, who took over the bowling coach duties from former Australia paceman Andy Bichel.
The Queenslander belonged to coach John Buchanan's entourage.
"You will see him performing at his best. The rhythm is back too," said Akram at the Eden Gardens where he spent quality time with the KKR spearhead.
On Sunday, Akram spoke to Ishant at length when it came to his head position, grip and follow through.
And when it came to the team's practice match, Akram stationed himself behind umpire (assistant coach Vijay Dahiya) to ensure Ishant was getting everything right.
Ishant has not been able to duplicate the kind of form and rhythm he showed on India's tour to Australia in 2007-08 where he troubled the best Australian batsmen, skipper Ricky Ponting in particular, who he dismissed in both the innings in Perth, the Test India famously won.
Ricky didn't forget"India got plenty out of this game, and not just the result. Ishant Sharma showed that he has the potential to be an exceptional Test bowler," wrote Ponting in Captain's Diary 2008.
Ponting played alongside Ishant for KKR in the 2008 IPL. Akram, also a globe-trotting television commentator, knows the kind of brilliance Ishant can offer to a team. The lean paceman was grateful to Akram for the extended session.
"Having Wasimbhai here is great. I can't ask for a better opportunity to learn and improve," said Ishant at the end of the session. KKR coach Dav Whatmore stressed that Akram's tips to Ishant would have an all-round effect.
"Wasim's tips to Ishant will not only help our team, but India as well," he said. India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni will be delighted to hear that but Deccan Chargers, KKR's opponents in the IPL-III opener this Friday may not be rejoicing.
