Veteran Indian pacer Ishant Sharma has changed his mind about playing the Ranji Trophy. Speaking to news agency PTI, a source in the Delhi team confirmed that Ishant is flying out of Delhi ahead of the Tamil Nadu game and will be reaching Guwahati on Wednesday, 16 February.
Ishant had earlier made it clear to the Delhi and Districts Cricket Association that he would remain unavailable for the Ranji season - India’s premier long format tournament which is taking place after a break of two years.
However, the fast bowler will be unavailable for Delhi’s tough opening game against Tamil Nadu owing to Covid-19 protocols and will be available for selection in their second game against Jharkhand.
PTI quoted a senior official from the DDCA who revealed that Ishant changed his mind about the Ranji Trophy after he was snubbed from the Indian Premier League. The 33-year-old veteran was not picked by any team in the mega auction despite Indian pace bowlers being in huge demand.
Sharma played only three matches in the last edition and managed to pick one wicket.
As Dehli prepare to take on Tamil Nadu, it is likely that India U-19 captain Yash Dhull will be opening alongside Dhruv Shorey. Dhull was spanned by Delhi Capitals over the weekend in the IPL mega auctions for Rs 50 lakh.