"Abhi hum zinda hai" - Twitterati react as Ishant Sharma is signed by DC at IPL 2023 auction
Veteran Indian pacer Ishant Sharma was signed by the Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Indian Premier League (IPL) mini-auction in Kochi on Friday, December 23.
The Delhi-based franchise bought Ishant at his base price of ₹50 lakh. The senior fast bowler is set to represent DC yet again after having been a part of the team for three seasons in the past.
Welcoming Ishant back to their squad, DC posted on Twitter:
Dilli through and through, Ishant Sharma will wear the DC blue 💙
#YehHaiNayiDilli #TATAIPLAuction #IPL2023Auction #IPL2023
A number of fans and experts took to social media to react to Ishant's signing. Here are some of the reactions on Twitter:
Happy for Ishant Sharma…
Delhi were getting los with raising Pooran's price after which they got on track with smart buys experience with the new ball in Ishant Sharma and Phil Salt from their South african T20 league #IPL2023Auction
Ishant Sharma got a team in this IPL after going unsold last year, happy for him.
Chances of him playing are very less but his presence in the Delhi Capitals' camp is good for Khaleel Ahmed, Kamlesh Nagarkoti & Chetan Sakariya.
#IPL2023 #IPLAuction #IPLAuctions #IPL2023Auction
@IrfanPathan Ishant Sharma be like 😄 https://t.co/YGISyNy7TZ
DC fast bowling attack
Anrich Nortje
Lungi Ngidi
Mustafizur Rahman
Khaleel Ahmed
Chetan Sakariya
Kamlesh Nagarkotti
And now Ishant Sharma
Hopefully we get Shivam Mavi too.
Ishant Sharma is back home at Delhi. #IPLAuctions
🥳So so happy for Ishant Sharma. One of the most underrated unsung heroes of Indian Cricket.
Welcome back to @DelhiCapitals ❤🥳
#IPLAuction #IPL2023Auction
Welcome back ishant sharma 💙
And that is a come back for Ishant Sharma!!! Welcome home Ishant Sharma, Sold at his base price 50L to Delhi Capitals
#IPLAuction #IPL2023 #CricketTwitter #ishantsharma #DelhiCapitals
Ishant Sharma is back in DC baby!!!!!!
Ishant Sharma at DC. A good mentor for Khaleel Ahmed, Nagarkoti and Sakariya to learn from!
@DelhiCapitals Our Local Lad Is Back In DC💥💙 #IPL2023Auction
@DelhiCapitals https://t.co/8Exp28i64a
Notably, Ishant Sharma last played in the IPL in 2021. However, he finished the season with just a solitary appearance. Playing for DC against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) during the league stage, he conceded 37 runs and failed to pick up a single wicket.
The 34-year-old was released by the franchise after the edition. He did not feature in this year's cash-rich league after failing to attract any bidders at the mega auction.
Ishant Sharma is currently playing in the Ranji Trophy 2022-23
With 105 Test matches to his name, Ishant Sharma is one of the most seasoned fast bowlers in the country. While he was an integral part of India's Test team during Virat Kohli's captaincy, he lost his place ahead of the home series against Sri Lanka earlier this year.
Ishant has since been overlooked in favor of younger seamers. He is currently playing for the Delhi team in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2022-23.
The veteran bowler failed to impress in the team's opening encounter against Maharashtra, managing to claim just a single wicket in 20 overs in the first innings. It is worth mentioning that he did not bowl in the second eassy.
Ishant was not a part of the team's playing XI for their recently concluded match against Assam. Delhi will take on Tamil Nadu in their third match of the season, scheduled to be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium from Tuesday, December 27.