Introduction
Ishant Sharma, born on September 2, 1988, in Delhi, India, is one of India’s most experienced and resilient fast bowlers. Known for his height, pace, and ability to extract bounce from the surface, Ishant has been a mainstay of India’s bowling attack, particularly in Test cricket, for over a decade. At over 6 feet 4 inches tall, Ishant uses his stature to his advantage, generating steep bounce that often troubles even the most accomplished batsmen. His journey from being a raw, tall pacer to becoming a veteran leader of India’s pace attack is a story of perseverance, growth, and adaptability.
Early Life and Rise in Domestic Cricket
Ishant Sharma grew up in Delhi, where his love for cricket became apparent at an early age. Standing out due to his height and pace, Ishant quickly climbed through the ranks of junior cricket. He impressed at the domestic level while playing for Delhi, where his consistent performances soon brought him to the attention of national selectors. Ishant’s early performances in the Ranji Trophy, especially with his raw pace and ability to move the ball, earned him a spot in the Indian team at just 18 years of age.
International Debut and Early Years
Ishant Sharma made his Test debut for India in May 2007 against Bangladesh. While he showed promise early on, it was his performance during India’s tour of Australia in 2007-08 that truly put him in the spotlight. In Perth, Ishant produced one of his most famous spells of fast bowling, troubling Australia’s then-captain Ricky Ponting with pace, bounce, and movement. That spell is still remembered as one of the finest by an Indian fast bowler on Australian soil and marked Ishant’s arrival as a bowler of international class.
His ODI debut came earlier in 2007 against South Africa, but Test cricket has always been Ishant’s primary domain. His ability to bowl long spells, extract movement off the seam, and generate bounce from even the most docile pitches made him a key asset in India’s Test team.
The Evolution of Ishant Sharma
Though Ishant started his international career with much promise, his journey was not without its challenges. For many years, he struggled with inconsistency and injuries, which hampered his ability to perform at his best. He often faced criticism for his inability to maintain accuracy and control during crucial moments of the game.
However, Ishant’s perseverance and determination helped him bounce back stronger each time. Over the years, he honed his skills, improving his control over line and length, and learned to swing the ball both ways. His transformation as a bowler began under the guidance of various coaches and captains, most notably during Virat Kohli’s tenure as Test captain. Ishant worked on his fitness, which allowed him to bowl longer spells at higher speeds, making him a more effective bowler in all conditions.
Bowling Style and Strengths
Ishant Sharma is known for his ability to generate steep bounce, thanks to his tall frame and high-arm action. His bowling is marked by pace, movement off the seam, and the ability to reverse swing the old ball. While earlier in his career, Ishant was more of a tearaway pacer, he evolved into a more skillful bowler, focusing on accuracy and subtle variations in pace.
Ishant’s strength lies in his ability to bowl disciplined spells in Test cricket, particularly in overseas conditions where his height and pace make him a constant threat. Over the years, he has developed into one of India’s most successful fast bowlers, especially in away Tests, where he has often led the attack.
Key Performances and Achievements
Ishant Sharma’s career is filled with numerous memorable performances. Some of his most notable achievements include:
- Taking over 300 wickets in Test cricket, a feat only achieved by a few Indian fast bowlers.
- His iconic spell against Ricky Ponting in the 2007-08 Perth Test, which is still considered one of the finest displays of fast bowling by an Indian pacer.
- Playing a pivotal role in India’s famous 2014 Test win at Lord’s against England, where he took 7 wickets for 74 runs in the second innings, helping India secure a historic victory. His performance in that match earned him widespread acclaim and recognition as a bowler of the highest class.
- Consistently leading India’s fast-bowling attack, particularly in overseas conditions, where his ability to extract bounce and movement from surfaces has made him one of India’s most reliable pacers.
Ishant’s contribution to India’s Test success, especially in the last few years, has been immense. His ability to bowl long, tireless spells, often without much reward, has made him a crucial cog in India’s pace attack, alongside younger bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.
Leadership and Mentorship
As one of the most experienced members of the Indian team, Ishant Sharma has also taken on the role of a mentor to younger fast bowlers. With years of experience under his belt, Ishant has become a guiding figure for the new generation of Indian fast bowlers. His presence in the dressing room and on the field provides confidence and leadership, especially in challenging overseas tours.
His ability to handle the pressures of international cricket and consistently deliver performances over a long career is something younger bowlers have looked up to. Ishant’s resilience and work ethic serve as a great example for emerging cricketers aspiring to excel at the international level.
IPL and Limited-Overs Career
Although Ishant Sharma is primarily known for his exploits in Test cricket, he has also had a long career in limited-overs cricket, including the IPL. Ishant has represented various franchises in the IPL, including the Delhi Capitals, Deccan Chargers, and Sunrisers Hyderabad. While he has had some standout performances in the IPL, particularly with the new ball, his skills are better suited to the longer format of the game.
In ODIs, Ishant has had a mixed career, with his last appearance for India in the format coming in 2016. His role in limited-overs cricket has diminished over time as India has turned to younger pacers with more specialized skills in the shorter formats.
Challenges and Comebacks
Ishant Sharma’s career has seen its share of ups and downs. Injuries, particularly to his ankle and back, have at times forced him out of action for extended periods. Additionally, he faced criticism for his lack of consistency early in his career. However, every time Ishant faced adversity, he returned stronger, displaying an impressive ability to adapt and overcome challenges.
His comeback in Test cricket, particularly in the second half of his career, has been remarkable. Ishant’s evolution from a raw, inconsistent pacer to a seasoned leader of the attack is a testament to his hard work, resilience, and love for the game.
Off the Field
Off the field, Ishant Sharma is known for his calm and composed demeanor. He enjoys a strong bond with his teammates and is often seen guiding and motivating younger players. Despite being in the limelight for over a decade, Ishant has remained grounded and focused on his game.
Ishant is married to Pratima Singh, a former basketball player who represented India. The couple shares a love for sports and often supports each other in their respective careers.
Conclusion
Ishant Sharma’s journey in Indian cricket is a story of perseverance, resilience, and continuous improvement. From being a promising young pacer to becoming the spearhead of India’s fast-bowling attack in Test cricket, Ishant’s career reflects his dedication to the sport and his country.
