South Africa Tour could be the last series for Ishant Sharma: Reports

Ishant Sharma, India’s current most experienced pacer in the longest format of the game will have this South Africa tour as his last assignment for the Indian team, according to the latest reports.

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Ishant Sharma who made his Test debut way back in 2007, had played a vital role in India’s success in the longest format over the last few years in both home and away series. He contributed and compliment the success of the pace trio of myself with Jasprit and Shami.

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As Ishant is already 33 years old, Fitness is a major issue for him nowadays. And with the rise of the young pacer in form of Shardul Thakur and Mohammed Siraj, the selectors are looking beyond Ishant.
The selectors will also have their eyes on the performance of Ajnikya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara in the upcoming series.

This could be the last test series for Ishant – BCCI Official

“Rahane’s removal as vice-captain is a clear warning signal to him. As a senior member on the side, he needs to contribute more. The same is true for Pujara also. He too has been around for a long time and now the team expects him to play those crucial knocks in big games,” a top BCCI official told The Indian Express.

“In case they score and have a significant impact on the series, they might be able to extend their Test careers. But in the case of Ishant, this could be it,” the official added.

The talent pool in India is great with the likes of upcoming young Pacers like Prasidh Krishna, Avesh Khan, Umran Malik, and Navdeep Saini, who are waiting for their opportunity to prove themself.

Ishant last played against New Zealand at Kanpur where he bowled 22 overs and went wicket-less.
Ishant Sharma has played 105 test matches for Team India where he has taken 311 wickets. In the last 12 months, Ishant has played only eight Tests, taking 14 wickets at 32.71. Therefore for him, his fitness and form are a must for the South Africa tour.