Advice from Virender Sehwag saw Ishant Sharma drafted in KXIP camp

Indian speedster Ishant Sharma was one of the biggest names to have been an unsold player at the IPL auctions earlier this year. The tall pacer, however, did not have to sit out of the action for long. He was drafted in the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) side as a last moment replacement for Murali Vijay. Apparently, it was on the advice of KXIP manager Virender Sehwag that Ishant was roped in by the franchise.

Soon after being picked up by the team, Ishant spoke at length about the entire discussion he had with the team management recently. As per the quotes in the Times of India, the Delhi speedster revealed that it was Virender Sehwag who had called him a couple of days ago and asked him if he was free. Ishant further noted that he was planning to play county cricket.

“A couple of days back, Viru bhai called up and asked if I am free. That’s how it worked out. I was not in a holiday mode. I was planning to play county cricket and was in search of a contract. In fact, when you don’t get a team at IPL auction, you have to play somewhere,” quoted Ishant.

Prior to this, Ishant has been on the IPL roster for four other IPL franchises – Kolkata Knight Riders, Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rising Pune Supergiant. When asked about the potential benefits he could bring to the KXIP side, he noted that he bring experience to the side. He noted that he has a lot of international experience to his name. Also, he said that he is ready to compete for his place in the national side as well and is not thinking about the far future at the moment.

“I would bring in experience. The amount of cricket that I have played for India has given me the experience of knowing what to do in various situations. I can pass on my knowledge to the youngsters,” quoted the Delhi pacer.

“I don’t want to look that far ahead at the moment. The Indian team’s pace attack is doing well. After a long time we have such a quality pool of fast bowlers that even if someone is injured, you have a back-up. For me, it is more important to play as many games I can and try to win matches for my team,” he conceded further.