India’s seniormost pacer Ishant Sharma does not want to put too much burden on himself thinking about leading a young attack but at the same time did not forget to mention that “it’s time” that “every bowler steps up“.
On being asked about his role as the leader of bowling group, Ishant said, “Maybe now is the time that everyone should step up and say to himself that I have got the responsibility for the country instead of me telling them about their roles. I think it is important that you learn yourself about your own bowling.”
But he does speak to the young bowlers.
"I do tell them (likes of Umesh Yadav, Varun Aaron) about bowling. Maybe, I have played more matches than them but everyone is in the same age-group. It will be good for them."
Ishant’s career has been plagued by injuries which led to him missing the ICC Cricket World Cup but he is ready to move on from that episode.
“The injury was disappointing for me and now I need to move on in life and think what’s next.”
The hero of India’s Test victory against England at Lord’s last year, Ishant said that the key was to bowl to right areas.
“We have a ball in hand — whether we are bowling on the turf or on marble, you need to bowl in the right areas. We have plans for every player and we need to execute it.”
Ishant was also vocal in throwing his weight behind team director Ravi Shastri, who he thinks has done a great job.
"You can't really say we don't have a coach because we have Ravi bhai. He is the one who is going to do all the things (take decisions). Nowadays, you know we have specialist coaches for batting, bowling and fielding, so all you need to do is to set up a certain plan for a certain batsman. In Bangladesh we need patience. It will be tough for fast bowlers," the lanky speedster observed.