IPL 2021: Ponting reveals why Ishant Sharma has not featured thus far

Ishant Sharma has not featured in the first two matches that the Delhi Capitals have played in the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Indian pacer reportedly has a niggle with his heel and as a result, has missed both the matches that the Rishabh Pant led outfit has played.

And, in the absence of Ishant Sharma, Avesh Khan has grabbed the opportunity provided to him with both hands. The 24-year-old pacer scalped 3 wickets in the match against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) on 16th April 2021. And now, Delhi Capitals’ (DC) Head Coach Ricky Ponting has showered praise on Khan.

Adding that Khan is able to maintain his action better, Ponting revealed that Khan has been extremely impressive from the very first day that he arrived in the camp. Ponting also lauded the right-arm pacer’s ability to bowl the slower ball as well.

“He has been ultra-impressive, pretty much from the first day we arrived here for the training camp. Physically he looks a little bit better, he lost a little bit of weight from last season. He is definitely fitter and bowling faster. He is able to maintain his action better. His lines and lengths and slower ball execution is excellent so far,” opined Ponting during the post-match press conference.

“Avesh Khan has been one of our real finds,” says Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting also revealed that Ishant Sharma has a heel niggle that he is dealing with. The Delhi Capitals’ Head Coach stated that Avesh Khan has been around for a few years now. The 46-year-old Australian cricketing legend concluded by stating that Avesh Khan has been one of the finds of the tournament for the Delhi Capitals.

“Coming into the first game, Ishant Sharma had a heel niggle that we have been trying to work through but Avesh grabbed his opportunity with both hands. He has been around with this franchise for a few years now and has not got the opportunity that he has been craving. Look so far, he has been one of our real finds and if you got an Indian fast bowler like him and the likes of Woakes, Rabada, Nortje and T Curran around we end up with a really strong fast bowling brigade,” concluded Ponting.

The Delhi Capitals will play their 3rd IPL encounter on 18th April 2021 against the Punjab Kings (PBKS).