Ind vs WI: Why Ishant Sharma over Zaheer Khan?

Zee Media Bureau/Chaitan Papnai

New Delhi: Ever since Zaheer Khan has come back from his grueling fitness session in France, he has been performing well in the competitive matches. Much fitter Zaheer, first played a few unofficial matches against West Indies ‘A’ and then against Haryana in the recently concluded Ranji Match while leading the Mumbai team. In all these matches Zaheer impressed everyone with his fitness and wicket -taking abilities. In fact, while playing against Haryana at Lahli, he bowled his heart out and took five wickets in the match. Everyone was expecting that his performance would convince the Indian selectors to call him back in the Test side for the upcoming historic Test series against West Indies. But when the Indian selectors announced the team, Zaheer’s name was missing in it and more shockingly Ishant Sharma, who has been under scanner for his dismal performance in the on-going series against Aussies retained his place in the Test team. Zaheer Khan’s comeback will only strengthen the Indian bowling. And his rich experience can also help the young fast bowlers to further enhance their skills. On what basis has Ishant been retained and Zaheer dropped? If performance is the criteria to make a place in the side then it’s a blunder from selectors end. But for Zaheer it’s certainly not the end of the road and the spearhead bowler will definitely make a comeback sooner or later in the team.