Vijay Hazare Trophy 2017/18: Delhi Get Ishant Sharma Boost Ahead of Maharashtra Tie

Delhi skipper, Ishant Sharma, has joined the team ahead of their tie against Maharashtra, as per a report in Sportstar.

He was already named as the captain of the side for the tournament but withdrew for the first two games, as he wanted some rest after returning from South Africa.

An entirely-fit Ishant Sharma is now all set to play Delhi once again.

He was appointed as the captain of the state before the start of the season after Gautam Gambhir decided not to lead the side.

Ishant led Delhi in a few games and missed a couple of games due to international commitments.

Rishabh Pant filled the void in Ishant’s absence, but he was removed as the captain for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as the captaincy had an impact on his batting.

Pradeep Sangwan, his replacement, did well and Delhi clinched the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title.

He also led the side to a victory in the first two games of Vijay Hazare Trophy in Ishant’s absence but is now all set to perform the role of vice-captain, as the senior player is back in the side.

Who will make way for Ishant?

Either of Navdeep Saini or Kulwant Khejroliya will have to make way for Ishant, as chances of Delhi going with two spin bowling all-rounders looks even.

However, if Delhi opts to play four seamers viz Ishant, Sangwan, Khejroliya and Sani, it would be one of Manan Sharma or Pawan Negi who would have to sit out.

Delhi is placed at the second spot in Group B after Maharashtra, who too have two wins. The winner of the contest between Delhi and Maharashtra will go on the top of the table.

Delhi defeated Uttar Pradesh in the first game of the tournament when they defended a total of 307 successfully. Unmukt Chand scored a century in the first game to help Delhi post a big total on the board.

In the second game, a combined effort from the batsmen, led by Nitish Rana (94*), saw Delhi chasing a big target of 299 easily with more than ten overs to spare.

The season has gone quite well for Delhi, as they qualified for the final of Ranji Trophy and also won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

The Ishant Sharma-led side will look to continue the dream run and move closer to qualify to next round with one more win in this game.

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