Ishant Sharma Player Profile: A Journey of Persistence and Excellence

Ishant Sharma, the tall and wiry fast bowler from Delhi, first captured the cricket world’s attention during the 2007-08 Test series in Australia. With a physique reminiscent of a young Javagal Srinath, Ishant moved the ball both ways at pace and delivered a legendary spell to Ricky Ponting in Perth, a performance that became iconic in Indian cricket history.

Early Career and Rapid Rise

Ishant began playing serious cricket at the age of 14. By 18, he made his Ranji Trophy debut and soon after, earned his Test cap during India’s tour of Bangladesh in 2007. However, it was the Australian tour that truly made people take notice. He also impressed in the CB Series, finishing as India’s highest wicket-taker in their victorious campaign.

In the 2008 home series against Australia, Ishant picked up 15 wickets, including seven in the first Test at Bangalore. His performances secured him the role of deputy to Zaheer Khan in India’s pace attack.

Challenges and Comeback

Despite early success, Ishant faced a tough phase. Loss of pace and form plagued him over the next few seasons. After ankle surgery in 2012, his bowling average ballooned to 37 after 70 Tests. However, Ishant engineered a remarkable turnaround. In his next 35 Tests, he averaged just 23.4 with the ball.

Memorable highlights of his resurgence include nine wickets against New Zealand in Auckland (2014) and a match-winning 7 for 74 at Lord’s. Although a knee injury ruled him out of the 2015 ODI World Cup, Ishant found a steady groove in Test cricket. His contributions were vital in India’s historic Test series win in Australia in 2018-19 and dominant performances against West Indies and Bangladesh in 2019.

Ishant Sharma and IPL Journey

Ishant featured for Kolkata Knight Riders in the early IPL seasons before moving to Deccan Chargers and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Though these teams clinched titles, Ishant was not part of the playing XI during their winning campaigns. He later found stability with Delhi Capitals starting from 2019.

Conclusion

Ishant Sharma remains a stalwart of Indian cricket, known for his resilience, control, and unmatched experience. His career serves as a story of perseverance, skill evolution, and significant contributions to Indian victories at home and abroad.