IPL 2019: Feroz Shah Kotla is More Than Just a Ground – Ishant Sharma
Mar 15, 2019 at 4:34 PM
The tall and lanky fast bowler Ishant Sharma will ply his trade for the renamed Delhi Capitals in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Meanwhile, this is the first time in 12 years Ishant will feature for his state franchise, who play their home games in Feroz Shah Kotla.
The upcoming edition of the league will commence from March 23. Defending champions Chennai Super Kings will take on the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the season opener at Chepauk. Delhi will kick-off their IPL campaign against three-time champions Mumbai Indians on March 24 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. However, the Governing Council have only announced the itinerary for the first weeks and was waiting for the announcement of the general election dates. And now with the dates out, they are looking at all the possible outcomes before releasing the full schedule.
Delhi Capitals, meanwhile, have undergone a lot of change in a bid to change their luck. They are one of the few franchises who are yet to lift the coveted trophy. Ahead of the season, they have changed their franchise name to Delhi Capitals, previously known as Delhi Daredevils. Besides, they have also made changes in their support staffs adding Mohammad Kaif with the team despite retaining Ricky Ponting as the head coach. Most recently, they have added former India skipper Sourav Ganguly as their advisor.
Ishant elated to play at home ground
Meanwhile, the Delhi-based franchise roped Ishant Sharma at the 2019 IPL auctions for a Rs 1.10 crore. Sharma while speaking for one of the franchises social media handles, admitted that it is a proud feeling for him. Sharma also added that Feroz Shah Kotla is not just ground for him. He also seemed delighted to play in front of his home crowd.
Ishant Sharma, who has played cricket in Kotla all his life said it a special feeling. He also added that everybody who has played cricket for Delhi will feel special to play in Feroz Shah Kotla.
“For me, Kotla is something more than a ground. For the entire cricket I have played, right form the under-17 level, I have played all my matches here. I have a number of memories here. Not only for me but for all those who represent Delhi, Kotla is a memory for them because it is where it all starts. It is from here that we went ahead to represent our country,” Ishant Sharma said.
In conclusion, Ishant Sharma stated that he has got this opportunity to 12 years and will put all his effort to win the trophy this time. Sharma has scalped 58 wickets from 76 IPL games and will be keen to add more to his tally.