Wriddhiman Saha and Ishant Sharma’s Test careers remain uncertain, is this the end of their Test journey?
Wriddhiman Saha and Ishant Sharma are experienced cricketers in the Indian national cricket team. Nevertheless, the duo lost their place due to stiff competition in the team. Saha has often been considered the second preference for the wicketkeeper slot as Rishabh Pant has been given the top-most priority.
On the other hand, Ishant Sharma’s form has been a big cause of concern. He lost his place in the team due to his inconsistency. Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Shardul Thakur were given the first preference. This has been the case so far.
Meanwhile, in the latest development, senior wicketkeeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha withdrew from the Ranji Trophy. Saha apparently took this decision after he was informed that he will not be selected for India’s two-match Test series against Sri Lanka.
Team India are expected to lock horns with Sri Lanka in the two-match Test series, starting in Mohali on March 4. On the other hand, lanky pacer Ishant Sharma appears to have made the same decision. Just like Wriddhiman Saha, Ishant Sharma also might have been notified that his Test journey is all but over.
Is this the end of the road for Wriddhiman Saha and Ishant Sharma in Tests?
As per a report in PTI, Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) selection committee met to select the Ranji squad. The selectors and office bearers attempted to contact experienced pacer Ishant Sharma. Nonetheless, they were not able to get a clear confirmation from him about his availability.
A senior DDCA selector told PTI, “As and when, if he tells he wants to play, he will be included as he is a Delhi legend. but I don’t know what has happened to him since he has been incommunicado for the last week. He hasn’t come for the Ranji team’s practice sessions. We don’t know what’s on his mind.”
He further added: “We don’t know if the Indian team management has told him something which may have led to a change in his mindset.” Wriddhiman Saha played 40 Tests for India where he scored 1353 runs including 6 fifties and 3 centuries.
Ishant Sharma played 105 Tests for the Indian national cricket team. The 33-year-old Delhi-born cricketer took as many as 311 wickets to his name. He accounted for 11 five-wicket hauls and 10 four-wicket hauls in red-ball cricket.
