Ishant Sharma is one of India’s most experienced fast bowlers, having played 105 Tests, 80 ODIs, and 14 T20Is between 2007 and 2021. Standing 6 ft 4 in tall, he is remembered for his fiery spell to Ricky Ponting in Perth (2008), his 300+ Test wickets, and his role in India’s 2013 ICC Champions Trophy win.
Personal & Background
- Full Name: Ishant Sharma
- Born: 2 September 1988, Delhi, India
- Nickname: Lambu (Tall Guy)
- Height: 6 ft 4 in (193 cm)
- Batting Style: Right‑handed
- Bowling Style: Right‑arm fast‑medium
- Role: Bowler
- Domestic Team: Delhi
- IPL Teams: Kolkata Knight Riders, Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rising Pune Supergiants, Kings XI Punjab, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Titans
Career Highlights
- Test Debut: 25 May 2007 vs Bangladesh.
- Iconic Spell: Perth 2008 vs Australia — dismissed Ricky Ponting repeatedly, earning global recognition.
- Milestones:
- Fifth youngest to 100 Test wickets (2011).
- 300th Test wicket vs England (Feb 2021).
- 311 Test wickets overall, including 11 five‑wicket hauls.
- Awards: Arjuna Award (2020).
- Major Titles: ICC Champions Trophy (2013), part of India’s historic Test series win in Australia (2018–19).
Ishant Sharma Statistics
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Avg | Econ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 105 | 311 | 7/74 | 32.40 | 3.16 | |
| ODI | 80 | 115 | 4/34 | 30.98 | 5.73 | |
| T20I | 14 | 8 | 2/34 | 50.00 | 8.63 | |
| IPL | 117 | 96 | 5/12 | 35.18 | 8.38 |
Style & Strengths
- Bowling: Tall, high‑arm action; capable of 150+ km/h (fastest ball 152.6 km/h in 2008).
- Temperament: Rhythm bowler, thrives on accuracy and bounce.
- Legacy: Key partner to Zaheer Khan, later mentor to younger pacers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.
Future Outlook
Though Ishant last played for India in 2021, he continues in domestic cricket and the IPL. At 37, his international career is effectively complete, but his experience and mentorship remain invaluable for Delhi and Gujarat Titans. His legacy lies in being India’s longest‑serving fast bowler, bridging eras from Anil Kumble’s captaincy to Virat Kohli’s dominance.
Conclusion:
Ishant Sharma’s career stands as a bridge across generations of Indian cricket, from the fiery spell that humbled Ricky Ponting in Perth to his role as a senior statesman guiding India’s pace revolution. His 300+ Test wickets and longevity across 15 years underline his resilience and adaptability, making him one of India’s most enduring fast bowlers. While his international chapter has closed, his legacy lies in mentoring younger pacers and proving that sustained discipline can carve a place in cricketing history. Ishant’s journey embodies the transformation of India’s fast‑bowling unit from supporting roles to global match‑winners, ensuring his name remains etched among the architects of modern Indian pace.
See More: Nishant Sindhu