Ishant Sharma lacks the ability to get breakthroughs, says Kapil Dev

Ishant Sharma lacks the ability to get breakthroughs, says Kapil Dev

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Kapil Dev feels that despite all his talent, pacer Ishant Sharma lacks the ability to bowl wicket-taking deliveries consistently. Kapil is also of the opinion that India should focus on developing Hardik Pandya into a good all-rounder instead of looking at him as “the next Kapil Dev”.

"I think Ishant is a very good bowler. He is a genuine quick bowler with great height. But he has to develop the wicket-taking ball, that ability to take wickets at crucial times. Perhaps that's where he is lacking. There is no shortage of ability and talent but somewhere the talent to take wickets is missing," Kapil Dev told PTI, on Monday. 

Ahead of India's first Test against England at Rajkot on Wednesday, Kapil felt that Ishant needs to bowl with more discipline in order to break partnerships on batting tracks.

"One needs to bowl better, consistently bowl a better line and length. It's not about bowling two very good deliveries in an over but you have to bowl five good balls. Then only you can pick up more wickets," the World Cup winner said.

Hardik Pandya looks set for a Test debut with the selection panel led by MSK Prasad continuing to hold their faith in the youngster, while he has been dubbed as the 'next Kapil Dev' by many. When asked about the expectations placed on the youngster, Kapil advised the team management to not put too much pressure on him to fill someone else's shoes.

"You don't have to find somebody. Every player will come with his own ability to make his own name. Can India find another Sachin Tendulkar, another Sunil Gavaskar?"

"I think everybody comes out with his own performance and personality. It is very difficult to start looking for somebody. My idea is that you should pick the best player around and make him a better player,” the former all-rounder explained.

The former Indian coach also said that it is difficult for an all-rounder to perform at the highest level given the amount of cricket played nowadays.

"Today's cricket is too demanding. There is bound to be injuries. You play 10 months in a year. It's not easy for an all-rounder to continue playing and performing in both departments," Kapil reckoned. 

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