India wouldn't drop Ishant Sharma, but might play two spinners depending on conditions at The Oval: Salman Butt

India skipper Virat Kohli had hinted during the post-match presser that there might be few changes in the bowling lineup. He, however, has denied playing an extra batter and stated that the team is happy playing five specialist bowlers, but their workload will be managed. It would be interesting to see the combination of bowlers India would use for the fourth Test at the Oval, which is set to begin on September 2.

Currently, India has Shardul Thakur, Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel and Umesh Yadav in the bowling department. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja might not play the fourth Test owing to a knee injury.

However, former Pakistan captain Salman Butt feels that Ishant Sharma might not play the Oval Test because he being a bit off rhythm in the Leeds match. The cricketer-turned-expert conducted a Question-and-Answer session on his YouTube channel where one of the fans had asked if Umesh Yadav should come in place of Ishant. “Ishant Sharma looked a bit off the boil in the last match and, his rhythm too was not good.

However, Kohli denied this fact in the press conference saying “I was busy in the field, and I was watching the batters from the slip. So how could I know whether he was off rhythm or having any niggle. I was just watching the batter from the slips and ready to the catches.”

I don’t think Virat Kohli will drop Ishant Sharma: Salman Butt

Butt further opined that he was bemused by how Kohli answered the question about Ishant Sharma and said as a captain he should give attention to details minutely.

“It is strange how Kohli neglected that question related to Ishant. As a captain, you must pay attention to minute details from the bowlers’ run-up to how he starts from the bowling crease whether his rhythm is okay or not. He gave this answer, ‘I don’t know since I was watching the batsman from the slips’.” Butt added.

The former Pakistan batsman concluded by saying that he doesn’t think Kohli might change Ishant Sharma. “Looking at Kohli’s answer I don’t think he will drop Sharma, but if the pitch is a bit different then he might play Ravi Ashwin and go with two spinners,” Butt said.