Statistical analysis of Karn Sharma's late rise in first-class cricket

It has been quite a while since Karn Sharma’s name appeared in the news or the leg-spinner was considered for the Indian national sides. After successful stints in the 2013 and 2014 IPL, Karn gained a lot of attention as he was drafted into the squads later that year but failing to repeat his performances ensured he never came close after the 2014/15 season.

Karn Sharma made his debut India debut in a T20I in England where he picked 1/28 and later featured in the two ODI games during the home series against Sri Lanka and remained wicketless. Despite not having great credentials, the selectors drafted the leggie into the Indian Test squad for the series in Australia. Karn even got a chance to make his debut in Virat Kohli’s maiden Test as captain, which turned out to be his last appearance for the Indian team.

Since then, Karn’s performances in the IPL and domestic circuit weren’t up to the mark to gain a recall. The 29-year-old bounced back from late 2016 making justice to his skill as he was paid 3.2 crores by Mumbai Indians in the 2017 auctions. He picked up 13 wickets in nine games in the season which includes a 4-wicket haul in the 2nd qualifier and an economical spell of four over in the low-scoring final which helped MI to regain the title.

His first-class numbers have been gradually improving as he picked up four 5-wicket hauls and four 4-wicket hauls in his last five FC matches. He also picked up his maiden ten-wicket match haul in FC cricket during the Duleep Trophy game which helped him his selection in the India A squad for the 2-match Unofficial Test series against New Zealand A. Sharma ended the series as leading wicket-taker with 16 wickets on his name.

Karn Sharma’s bowling inning list in his last five first-class matches:

Karn Sharma’s bowling numbers in first-class cricket:

Karn picked up 40 wickets in the last five games at an average of 14.83 and a strike rate of 28.83 which is half the average (31.56) and strike rate (59.4) he had in this format before. With the Indian team giving preference to wrist spinners never like before, the Railways player could find himself back in Indian colours if maintains his consistency.

(Stats as on October 3, 2017)