Ishant should have debuted elsewhere than Bangladesh: Sunil Dev

New Delhi, June 11 (UNI) Delhi pacer Ishant Sharma would have begun his international cricket career on a happy note had he debuted in more helpful conditions, like in England or in South Africa, rather than the placid wickets of Bangladesh, DDCA Sports Secretary Sunil Dev said today.

Sharma took one wicket for 49 from 13 overs in the second Test at Mirpur which India won by an innings and 239 runs.

''Ishant is the best among youngsters in Delhi. He got lots of potential. But, he should have made his debut in seamer-friendly conditions like in South Africa or England,'' Dev told UNI at the sidelines of the opening ceremony of DDCA Hot Weather Cricket tournament here.

''Seam bowling is not easy on placid wickets. Moreover, Ishant was not given the new ball and naturally he could not do much with the ball in those conditions.'' When asked whether Graham Ford was the right choice to coach India, Dev said he would have loved to see former captain Sunil Gavaskar taking up the position.

He, however, added that coach was not so relevant at international level nowadys.

Dev lamented on the lack of professionalism in DDCA which, he said, was the reason behind Delhi Ranji team's slump in form in recent times.

''Unprofessionalism prevails in DDCA. With so much of money coming into the game, the people in charge of handling it don't know how to spend it,'' he said.

The DDCA Hot Weather cricket tournament today inaugurated by Mayor of Delhi Ms Aarti Mehra. Present on the Occasion were Mr Sunil Dev, Sports Secretary DDCA, Mr S S Sareen, joint secretary DDCA.

Meanwhile, the innaugural match of the Hot Weather tournament was played between Lal Bahadur Shastri Coaching Centre and Youngster Cricket Club. Coloured clothings were the order of the day, with players of the Youngster team wearing the green jersey, while their counterparts donned yellow-colour attire.

UNI