Ishant hits a ‘perfect’ line

Ishant Sharma flashes his trademark high-voltage smile when reminded of the little journey that he’s covered in international cricket. After making his Test debut in Dhaka last month — he replaced an injured Munaf Patel — the Delhi pacer is all set to make his ODI debut in Ireland, again by pure coincidence. Ishant is rushing to Ireland as a back-up to the original seam attack. “I know line and length are the keys to success in ODIs, but I am not thinking anything further than that,” he says.

Ishant’s focus has largely been on the England Test series and he’s been watching the England-West Indies Test matches with interest. “It gave me an idea of what length I should bowl at, advantages and disadvantages in seaming conditions and the strengths and weaknesses of English batsmen. The conditions in Bangladesh and England are extremely opposite. I had to pitch a bit short in Bangladesh, but in England I am looking to pitch the ball further up to use the seam to good effect. I saw the ball doing quite a bit off the wicket, even in the latter stages. Also, I have a fair idea of the conditions there and that will keep me in good stead,” he says.

Ishant toured England last year as part of the India under-19 squad and hit the limelight with telling performances. “Hopefully, I will be able to replicate my under-19 performance.”

Post-Bangla tour, Ishant has been focusing on strength and endurance training. “I have been following the chart given by Gregory King. The sudden rains made my job easier as there were fewer matches. I played a few tournament matches in the last week and am in a perfect frame, physically and mentally,” he adds.