Mumbai: When armed with the new ball, openers often fell prey to Ajit Agarkar’s leg-cutters and cruel out-swingers. The former India speedster didn’t use words, he made the leather talk. The 37-year-old said that Ishant Sharma’s suspension from one Test match - for breaching ICC's Code of Conduct during the third Test against Sri Lanka - is a loss considering his prime form.
“When you are playing any sport, one wants to be aggressive but there is a fine line. Unfortunately, Ishant – in such a good form – will miss a Test which exactly what one shouldn’t want,” said Agarkar.
Read: Ishant Sharma suspended for one Test, to miss South Africa opener at Mohali
Ishant got into repeated altercations with players from the opposition. But Agarkar emphasised that aggression varies with personalities.
“Some people like to have a chat, some don’t but that doesn’t mean the other person isn’t charged up. There are kids watching the cricketers on television, one wouldn’t want to set a wrong example. The players who are representing the country need to be careful,” he added.
Agarkar, who stormed into ODI cricket with 50 wickets in 23 matches breaking Dennis Lillee’s world record, believes Ishant’s experience over the years is the reason behind his recent surge.
“At times, experience teaches you what to do in which situation. I also felt Ishant had been fresh for he hadn’t played much cricket before the Sri Lanka series. The body has been strong and fit. His releases are lot better,” said Agarkar, adding: “He has always been good. Since he has been around for so long (since 2007), people expect him to do much better at the Test level and probably, this is the start.
The Bombay veteran, who took 58 wickets in 26 Tests for India, rarely dealt with injuries and believes bowlers in their peak should take good care.
“I have had hamstrings and calves earlier in my career but never had anything major but if you see Ishant, he is a tall, lanky guy, standing at six foot and five inches. Everytime he bends down, it is a long way down.
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“One needs to prepare himself in a way so that the injuries are minimised. But if you are running 20 yards and bowling fast for 20-25 overs for 10 months a year, there will be wear and tear. Hence, bowlers should use the off-season to lead a disciplined life,” said Agarkar, who is also a Lord’s Test centurion.
He also praised the younger crop of Indian bowlers for their ability to generate pace.
“In India, you rarely have the luxury of having bowlers who can clock at an excess of 140-145 kph range. With experience, they will learn to bowl in different conditions and be a bit more consistent. I’m a big fan of Umesh (Yadav) for he can bowl quick as well as swing the ball,” said Agarkar who also earned the sobriquet ‘Bombay Duck’ after a series of ducks during the tour of Australia in 1999/2000.
Talking on the forthcoming home series against South Africa, Agarkar said that the Proteas will be tough to beat. Why?
“South Africa is one of the few teams who have played well in India over the years. They have competed more than other touring teams. India is still rebuilding, so are they. But one of their recent loss is Jacques Kallis (now retired) who always did well in India.
“But if you are 1-0 down, it is not going to be easy to beat a team like South Africa. But the series win in Sri Lanka must have given enough confidence to Virat Kohli. As a new captain, you need victories under your belt and he has two. The team also has time to prepare for the series,” he pointed.
