Do not think too much about workload, Ishant’s advice to youngsters
The Hindu
Veteran advises pacers to keep bowling as much as possible to avoid breaking down
While most of his teammates boarded Saturday’s early flight to Guwahati for Delhi’s next Ranji Trophy stop, Ishant Sharma returned to Delhi on Friday night due to “a soft tissue damaged while stretching with the second new ball”.
Ishant, one of only two India pacers to have earned 100-plus Test caps, opened up on a range of issues about his career after Delhi’s sorry loss to Maharashtra in the Ranji opener. Excerpts:
Do not think too much about “workload”. That’s a term that’s come up in recent times, especially for fast bowlers. I never saw something like that during my international stint. When I started playing, my coach would give me the ball at one in the afternoon and we would go on till sunset. That’s how I could bowl long spells in the Ranji and later on for India. If you want to improve, the only thing you can do is keep bowling.
If you have made your name through domestic cricket, you should not be selective about games. Only when you have played a sizeable amount of cricket for the country can you be given the occasional break. Most pacers break down during Ranji games because they don’t go through the ideal preparation.
Bowling in the Ranji is a different ballgame altogether. If you are studying for the IAS exam, you have to study for 16 hours a day. Similarly, if you want to prepare to last a whole Ranji season and bowl 20 overs a day, you cannot prepare for it by taking breaks. Only if you are used to bowling 25 overs in the nets every day can you bowl 20 overs in a game.
I don’t really think about the future too much. I am just enjoying my cricket right now. That’s why I have played all the three formats of this domestic season. I am not putting myself under pressure of “I want to make a comeback” anywhere. I have left all these things out of my mind. As long as I am passionate about the game, I will keep enjoying cricket.
Not really! It’s not that I don’t want to go back there and play, but I have stopped chasing anything. Wherever I am playing, I will give my 100%, but will not expect to be picked in the (national) team when I do well. Like I said, I have started enjoying myself on the field and helping out youngsters whenever I can.
Discover how axolotls and flatworms coordinate regeneration through body-wide signals, revealing a complex healing process.
The MGNREGA envisioned the right to work as a necessary condition for the right to life
Scheduled Castes constituencies in Tamil Nadu experience lower voter deletions than the state average after Special Intensive Revision.
Explore the inspiring journey of Vaishnavi Sharma, a cricket star shaped by her father's unwavering faith and guidance.
Telangana offers GHMC property owners a 90% interest waiver on tax arrears under a new one-time settlement scheme.
Left parties protest for MGNREGA's original format, opposing its renaming and funding cuts affecting rural livelihoods.
Join the 5th Beypore Water Fest celebrating local talent with cultural programs and exciting water sports from December 26-28.
Victoria Public Hall in Chennai is restored and ready to revive its cultural significance with a grand reopening.
Tamil Nadu government employees and teachers announce an indefinite strike from January 6 after "disappointing" negotiations with officials.
“Through several targeted attacks against the minorities in the name of religion, the BJP and the Sangh Parivar organisations are on a mission to fragment the State into religious segments,” said Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader and MP Thol. Thirumavalavan. He headed the protest organised by VCK here on Monday against the BJP and Sangh Parivar organisation for inciting violence based on religion. Speaking there, he said, “The RSS’s plan is specifically to turn Hindus into paupers and the Sangh Parivar organisations through intimidating the minorities, have been trying to incite communal frenzy in the State.”
CBI and banks meet to expedite fraud investigations, focusing on cybercrime and misuse of mule accounts.
BJP accuses Congress government of suppressing Hindu culture by halting traditional cockfights and interfering with local celebrations.
Experts at a webinar emphasize preparing for diverse career paths and prioritizing skills like communication and critical thinking.