New Delhi: Kings XI Punjab announced the signing of senior Indian pacer Ishant Sharma today ahead of the start of the 2017 Indian Premier League season. The franchise's decision to rope in the Indian national team bowler in place of injured Murali Vijay – who is ruled out of the entire season – did rose a few eyebrows but Virender Sehwag saw the quickie's inclusion as a way of strengthening the squad.
When questioned about his thoughts on the upcoming season Sehwag, Head of Cricket Operations, Kings XI Punjab stated: "I am very excited for IPL 2017. The players are in a great headspace, and the energy around the franchise is very positive. We hope to have some fantastic games ahead and I feel with the talent and chemistry this team is building, it will hold us in a good position for this season."
Viru also spoke about his special bond with the Delhi lad, which also contributed towards the selection.
"I share a strong bond with Ishant Sharma as he played under my captaincy in the Ranji Trophy and later in the India team, his addition will most definitely strengthen our squad.”
“It’s a pleasure to inform that Ishant (Sharma) is now picked up by Kings XI. I have an old rapport with him as we played together in Indian team,” he said.
To a question, Sehwag said “IPL was known as the game of batsmen but half of the matches in IPL were won due to bowlers, who stopped the batsmen from scoring. So, we have picked Ishant Sharma in place of Murli Vijay to sharpen our bowling attack.”
As far as rest of the squad is concerned, Sehwag said,“We have good batsmen like Martin Guptill, Glenn Maxwell, Eoin Morgan, Darren Sammy and David Miller. If any two of these batsman perform then we can easily win the match.”
Kings XI Punjab was at the bottom of the table last season having eight points in 14 matches.
Asked about it, Sehwag said “Now we can’t go down anymore. Now, we can go up. If our players would perform, our team would reach in the play off.”
“We are not worried about victory or defeat. I will allow my players to play aggressive cricket (in the IPL),” he told reporters here after unveiling the team’s jersey.
“The players of Kings XI Punjab would play fearlessly like I have played,” quipped the right-handed batsman.
Satish Menon, Chief Executive Officer, Kings XI Punjab also gave his views on the new season saying, “It’s a fresh start for the team and we are glad to commence with new players and partners on board. We have tremendous faith in Sehwag and his ability to shape the team together. Indore has been very warm to us and we are thrilled to be beginning our season in the city.”
KXIP start off their season on April 8 against Rising Pune Supergiant, the team Ishant played for last season.
