Ishant Sharma

Ishant Sharma: India’s Tallest Warrior with the Ball

Ishant Sharma is one of the most experienced and resilient fast bowlers in the history of Indian cricket. With a towering frame, fierce bounce, and the ability to bowl long spells with intensity, Ishant carved a niche for himself in Indian pace bowling. He became a symbol of endurance, grit, and revival in Indian Test cricket. Over a career spanning more than a decade, Ishant represented India in all three formats and played a pivotal role in many overseas Test wins.

Early Life and Background

Ishant Sharma was born on September 2, 1988, in Delhi, India. Standing at over 6 feet 4 inches tall, he drew early attention due to his height and natural bowling ability. He began playing cricket at a young age and rose quickly through the ranks of Delhi’s domestic cricket system.

His early success in youth cricket, especially at the U-19 level, earned him a place in India’s national side. At just 18, he was called up for the tour of South Africa in 2006–07. Although he didn’t debut then, it was clear that Ishant was destined for big things.

Domestic Career

Ishant represented Delhi in India’s domestic circuit and remained a key part of their Ranji Trophy campaigns. His height, stamina, and aggressive bowling made him a reliable strike bowler. He frequently bowled with pace and bounce, traits that later became his trademark in international cricket.

Even after his international debut, Ishant often returned to domestic cricket, using it as a platform to stay match-fit and regain rhythm during injury layoffs. His performances for Delhi helped keep his name in contention for national selection.

International Career

Test Career

Ishant Sharma made his Test debut against Bangladesh in May 2007. However, his real breakthrough came during the 2008 tour of Australia. His fiery spell to Ricky Ponting at the WACA in Perth is considered one of the most memorable fast-bowling spells by an Indian. That series made him a household name and earned him praise worldwide.

Ishant became the backbone of India’s fast bowling unit, especially in Test cricket. He went on to play over 100 Test matches, taking more than 300 wickets, becoming only the second Indian pacer after Kapil Dev to achieve that milestone.

His 7-wicket haul at Lord’s in 2014 led India to a historic win and remains one of the greatest fast-bowling performances by an Indian on English soil.

ODI Career

Ishant debuted in ODIs in June 2007 against South Africa. Although he never quite found the same rhythm in limited-overs formats as in Tests, he still managed to play over 80 ODIs and take more than 100 wickets. He was part of several key bilateral series and ICC tournaments.

His ODI highlight includes a match-winning spell in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy Final against England, where he took two crucial wickets in one over to help India lift the trophy.

T20I Career

Ishant had a limited stint in T20 Internationals, debuting in 2008. He played 14 matches, taking 8 wickets. While T20 cricket didn’t suit his style perfectly, he gained valuable experience that translated into his overall bowling maturity.

Ishant Sharma’s Key Records & Achievements

Record/Stat Value
Test Matches 105
Test Wickets 311
Best Test Bowling 7/74 vs England
ODI Matches 80+
ODI Wickets 115
T20I Matches 14
T20I Wickets 8
Most Test Wickets by a Right-Arm Pacer for India 2nd after Kapil Dev
ICC Champions Trophy Winner 2013
Fastest Indian Bowler to 100 Test wickets (at one point) ✔️

Ishant Sharma in the IPL

Ishant has had a long stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL), playing for multiple franchises including:

  • Kolkata Knight Riders
  • Deccan Chargers
  • Sunrisers Hyderabad
  • Rising Pune Supergiant
  • Kings XI Punjab
  • Delhi Capitals

One of his career-best performances came in 2011 when he took 5 wickets for 12 runs for Deccan Chargers—a record that stood for several years. His presence in IPL provided younger bowlers a role model to learn from and improved his death bowling skills.

Notable Performances

  • 7/74 at Lord’s (2014) – A legendary spell that led India to a famous win in England after 28 years.
  • Spell to Ricky Ponting (2008) – A fiery 8-over burst that rattled the Australian skipper and won global acclaim.
  • 2013 Champions Trophy Final – Two quick wickets against England helped India clinch the trophy.

Later Career and Comeback Efforts

In recent years, injuries and rising competition have limited Ishant’s international appearances. However, he made strong comebacks, especially in the World Test Championship cycle (2019–21), where he was instrumental in away wins in West Indies and contributed to India’s dominance at home.

His fitness, discipline, and willingness to bowl long spells made him an ideal partner for India’s new pace unit featuring Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Umesh Yadav.

Legacy and Impact

Ishant Sharma’s longevity in Indian cricket is a testament to his hard work and passion for fast bowling. He bridged generations—from playing alongside Zaheer Khan to mentoring the current pace attack. His role in transforming India into a formidable fast-bowling nation, especially in Tests, cannot be overstated.

Today, fans remember him not just for his performances, but for his fighting spirit, work ethic, and his massive contribution to Indian cricket history.

Personal Life

Ishant Sharma married Pratima Singh, a professional basketball player, in 2016. The couple is known for their down-to-earth nature and sporting camaraderie. Off the field, Ishant enjoys fitness routines, traveling, and mentoring young cricketers.

Stats Table

Format Matches Wickets Average Best Bowling 5W Hauls
Test 105 311 32.40 7/74 11
ODI 80 115 30.98 4/34 0
T20I 14 8 50.00 2/34 0
IPL 100+ 80+ 34.00 5/12 1