Ishant Sharma, the Indian cricket player, has left an indelible mark on the game with his towering physique and fiery attitude on the field. Born on September 2, 1988, in Delhi, Ishant shot to fame during the 2007-08 Test series in Australia, where he was hailed as the next big thing in Indian cricket.
Standing tall at 6’4″ with a rhythmic, high-arm action, Ishant’s ability to consistently bowl at around 140 kph made him a formidable force on the pitch. His journey in cricket began at the age of 14, and by 18, he made his debut in the Ranji Trophy, India’s premier domestic tournament. It was during India’s tour of Bangladesh in May 2007 that a fortunate opportunity opened up for Ishant when he replaced an injured Munaf Patel.
However, it was in Australia that Ishant truly made his mark. His ability to move the ball both ways and his memorable spell in the second innings in Perth, where he set up the legendary Ricky Ponting, became the stuff of cricketing folklore. Ishant’s prowess with the ball continued in the one-day series, and he emerged as India’s highest wicket-taker, contributing significantly to their victorious campaign.
In his debut season, Ishant’s talents shone brightly, as he showcased his skills against South Africa, followed by an impressive performance in the home series against Australia in 2008. He later proved his worth in the ODIs in Sri Lanka. Ishant quickly established himself as Zaheer Khan’s deputy in India’s fast bowling lineup. However, his career took a downward turn due to a drastic loss in pace, which affected the efficacy of his lethal short-of-a-good-length deliveries.
Despite facing challenges and criticism, Ishant persevered. The Indian selectors stood by him, shielding him from shorter formats of the game in the hope that he would regain his lost zip. He faced further setbacks due to injuries, including an ankle surgery in 2012, which kept him on the sidelines for an extended period. By the time he completed 50 Tests in early 2013, Ishant had one of the worst averages among bowlers with 50 Test caps to their name.
Nevertheless, Ishant managed to revive his Test career, showcasing his skills on tours to New Zealand and England. During India’s historic victory at Lord’s, he played a crucial role, steamrolling the England batsmen with his blistering pace. Despite recurring injury woes, Ishant continued to make substantial contributions to the team.
Despite his struggle with injuries and loss of form at times, Ishant’s dedication and determination have earned him a special place in Indian cricket. His achievements on the field are a testament to his unwavering spirit and love for the game.
Off the field, Ishant remains a humble and down-to-earth individual. He exudes a calm and composed demeanor, displaying leadership qualities that have made him a valuable asset to the Indian cricket team. With his passion for the game and eagerness to continuously improve, Ishant Sharma continues to play an integral role in Indian cricket, inspiring a new generation of fast bowlers in the country.
