Team India's star fast bowler Ishant Sharma turns 36 today (September 2). Ishant last played in a Test match in November 2021 against New Zealand in Kanpur. Since then, he has been out of the Indian team primarily due to fitness issues and poor form. It is unlikely that Ishant will return to the Test team as young bowlers like Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, and Khaleel Ahmed have emerged.
... When Ricky Ponting Was Helpless Against Ishant
Right-arm fast bowler Ishant Sharma has delivered many spectacular spells in his career, but his fiery bowling in the WACA Test against Australia on January 19, 2008, is unforgettable for fans. During Australia's second innings, Ishant bowled a fierce nine-over spell that troubled Australian captain Ricky Ponting with his precise length and pace. He finally succeeded in dismissing Ponting.
Source: aajtak
Despite his brilliant bowling, Ishant Sharma couldn't take a wicket in his first eight overs. Indian captain Anil Kumble considered resting him, but Virender Sehwag suggested Kumble give Ishant another over. On the very first ball of his ninth over, Ishant met the trust placed in him by dismissing Ricky Ponting. Ishant's deliveries this match often swung both ways, but the ball to Ponting stayed straighter and got him caught at first slip by Rahul Dravid.
Interestingly, Ishant also got Ponting out in the first innings of that Test, once again caught by Rahul Dravid. The Indian team won that Test match by 72 runs. Ishant's nine-over spell was so commendable that even Steve Waugh, known for seldom praising, acknowledged it. For the fast bowler playing only his fourth Test match, it was a huge achievement. This spell changed Ishant Sharma's life. Just a month later, Kolkata Knight Riders bought him for $950,000 in the IPL 2008 auction.
Ishant Sharma's International Career
Ishant Sharma debuted in Test cricket on May 25, 2007, in Dhaka against Bangladesh. So far, he has played 105 Tests, 80 ODIs, and 14 T20s for India, capturing 311 wickets in Tests, 115 in ODIs, and 8 in T20s. Ishant is the second Indian fast bowler to play over 100 Tests, the other being Kapil Dev. Among Indian fast bowlers with the most Test wickets, Ishant is tied in second place with Zaheer Khan. He has taken five wickets in an innings 11 times and once took ten wickets in a match against the West Indies.
Ishant Sharma has claimed the most wickets against England. During the 2008 tour to Australia, he bowled an unforgettable spell against Ricky Ponting at the WACA, earning significant praise. His crucial role in helping India win the Lord's Test in 2014 against England was also noteworthy. Ishant is known for his long hair and stands tall at 6 feet 4 inches. He is lovingly called 'Lambu' by his teammates. On December 10, 2016, Ishant married Indian women's basketball player Pratima Singh.
Most Successful Indian Fast Bowlers
Kapil Dev - 434 wickets Zaheer Khan - 311 wickets Ishant Sharma - 311 wickets Javagal Srinath - 236 wickets Mohammed Shami - 229 wickets
Ishant's Test Record Against All Teams
1. England: 23 Tests - 67 wickets 2. Australia: 25 Tests - 59 wickets 3. West Indies: 12 Tests - 46 wickets 4. New Zealand: 9 Tests - 38 wickets 5. Sri Lanka: 12 Tests - 36 wickets 6. South Africa: 15 Tests - 31 wickets 7. Bangladesh: 7 Tests - 25 wickets 8. Pakistan: 1 Test - 5 wickets 9. Afghanistan: 1 Test - 4 wickets
