Ishant Sharma’s lack of rhythm can be attributed to lack of game time and it would take a couple of Test matches for him to get back into the groove, India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey said on Wednesday in his assessment of the seasoned pacer’s current struggle.
The only player in the incumbent set-up to have played 100 Test matches, the 33-year-old Ishant had a forgettable tour of England and even in the opening Test against New Zealand in Kanpur, he went wicket-less without ever looking penetrative unlike his new ball partner Umesh Yadav.
“Ishant hasn’t unfortunately played much Test cricket for a long time and didn’t play in IPL or T20 World Cup (and) that does make a difference,” Mhambrey acknowledged, responding to a query from PTI on whether Ishant’s lack of rhythm is being addressed.
Ishant, in his last four Tests, has picked only eight wickets and bowled a total of 109.2 overs in these games.
“We are working on his rhythm and we are aware of it. I am sure he needs a couple of games to get that rhythm going. He will be back for sure,” Mhambrey seemed hopeful.
In this set-up, the man with 300 plus wicket not only has the duty get opposition out but also has to be a mentor to the younger crop of bowlers like Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.
“He has got enough experience under his belt and it makes a huge difference to have him in the dressing room,” Mhambrey, a former Mumbai seamer, said.
