Brisbane, Feb 17: Outgoing bowling coach Eric Simmons believes fast bowler Ishant Sharma is “ready for one-day cricket” and should have been a part of the Indian squad in the ongoing Commonwealth Bank tri-series in Australia.
Simmons, who will be replaced by former Queensland pacer Joe Dawes as India's bowling coach after the ongoing tri-series, said Ishant was “unlucky” during the four-Test Test series.
“I believe the Australians were pleased he (Ishant) wasn't involved in one-day series. He bowled so well, he was the one who troubled them the most in Tests. I am not part of selection process but I think he's ready for one-day cricket,” said Simmons, who took pains to emphasise that he wasn't sacked from his current position.
The South African said his contract with the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI), after two extensions since the World Cup last year, has simply expired.
Despite being a regular in India's Test squad, Ishant has played only six ODIs in the last two years.
As a matter of fact, Ishant hasn't done too badly in the 47 ODIs he had played, picking up 64 wickets at 32.13. But ironically, the Indian selectors have continued to ignore him for the 50-over format.
“He has to be one of the unluckiest bowlers. There were so many edges which went between (VVS) Laxman and (Mahendra Singh) Dhoni, a drop in front; one sliced over slips for the amount of wicket-taking deliveries he bowled.
