Anything For The Team: Ishant Sharma On His Comeback After Injury

Mumbai: After making his comeback in test squad against Blackcaps Indian pacer Ishant Sharma tool three wickets on day two of the ongoing first Test against New Zealand following which Sharma said that he played the match as the team management asked him to.

“I am not happy, I had not slept in the last two days, I was still struggling today and I was not able to do the way I wanted to bowl. The team asked me to play so I did, anything for the team. All the credit goes to NCA, my MRI shows I have a complete tear in my ligament, I just went on about doing my rehab. There was nothing on my mind,” Ishant told reporters.

He said, “Before coming here I tested myself and I bowled 21 overs in two days in Bengaluru. After a 24-hour trip, it was a huge toll on the body, so I bowled here before the match.”

On the second day, Jasprit Bumrah was wicketkeeping. However, Ishant defended the bowler, saying that people should not pass judgment given just one day’s performance.

“It’s a funny thing, we have always managed to take twenty wickets. I cannot understand why people start questioning when things don’t go as per plan in one inning. One cannot question Bumrah’s skills. Giving your 100 per cent matters,” Ishant said.

“Actually, I was not happy with my body as I was struggling a lot, I did not get enough sleep. I just wanted to recover, as if you are fully recovered, then you can give your best. Getting the desired sleep is of utmost importance, ” he added.

His remarks came on day two of the first Test. New Zealand has gained a 51-run lead over India.

The Kiwis ended the day at 216/5 after bundling out India for 165.

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