Akram helping Ishant regain form

Akram helping Ishant regain form

Kolkata: IPL 2010 will see Ishant Sharma back at his menacing best, Kolkata Knight Riders’ bowling coach Wasim Akram has asserted.

“Ishant was down when it came to self confidence and belief. His morale was low which can happen to any cricketer but you will see a change in the IPL,” Akram, who took over the bowling coach duties from former Australia paceman Andy Bichel, told Mid-day.

“You will see him performing at his best. The rhythm is back too,” Akram said.

The former Pakistani paceman has been spending quality time with the Knight Riders’ pace spearhead during the last few days. The 21-year-old pacer has been sweating it out at the nets under the watchful eyes of Akram. The former Pakistan captain has been observing every detail about Ishant’s bowling, from his head position to grip and follow through, and pointing out corrective measures.

Ishant has been struggling for form since his breakthrough tour to Australia in 2007-08 where he troubled the best Australian batsmen, especially Ricky Ponting.

The Indian paceman was grateful to Akram for the extended session. “Having Wasimbhai here is great. I can’t ask for a better opportunity to learn and improve,” Ishant told the newspaper.

KKR coach Dav Whatmore stressed that Akram’s tips to Ishant would have an all-round effect. “Wasim’s tips to Ishant will not only help our team, but India as well,” he said.

Team India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni will be delighted to hear that but Deccan Chargers, the Knight Riders’ opponents in opening encounter of IPL 2010 on March 12 may not be rejoicing.