Ishant Sharma, the rise fast bowler from Delhi, India, has established himself as a cricketing legend. Ishant, born on September 2, 1988, has progressed from a young talent at the Sonnet Club to an important member of the Indian cricket team, demonstrating his skill, resilience, and dedication. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches, Ishant’s commanding presence, combined with his ability to generate pace and swing, make him a formidable force on the field.
I. Introduction
| Player Name | Ishant Sharma |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ishant Sharma Vikas |
| Nickname(s) | Lambu (meaning Tall Boy), Ishu, Sardar |
| Date of Birth | September 2, 1988 |
| Place of Birth | Delhi, India |
| Age | 35 (as of October 27, 2023) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Languages Spoken | Hindi, English |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be between $5-10 million (information unavailable) |
II. Early Life
| Childhood Influences | Father was a civil servant, mother was a homemaker. Inspired by watching Sachin Tendulkar and Zaheer Khan. |
|---|---|
| Educational Background | Completed schooling at Vivek Model School in Delhi. Pursued graduation in Commerce but left to focus on cricket. |
| Introduction to Cricket | Started playing cricket in his neighborhood. Joined Sonnet Club where his talent was recognized. |
| Early Achievements | Represented Delhi at various age levels, won the prestigious Lala Amarnath Award for the outstanding young cricketer in 2007. |
| Inspirations and Role Models | Zaheer Khan, Glenn McGrath, and Kapil Dev |
III. Personal Details
| Family Background | |
|---|---|
| Parents’ Professions | Father (Vikas Sharma) was a civil servant, mother (Sushila Sharma) is a homemaker. |
| Siblings’ Details | Has an elder brother, Gaurav Sharma, and a younger sister, Shikha Sharma. |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse/Partner Name | Pratima Singh (former India women’s basketball player) |
| Children (if any) | None |
| Personal Values and Beliefs | Hard work, discipline, dedication, family values, giving back to society |
IV. Physical Attributes
| Height | 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 87 kg (192 lbs) |
| Body Build | Lean and athletic |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Tattoos/Scars (if any) | None |
| Fitness Routine | Maintains a rigorous fitness regime with weight training, running, and cricket-specific drills. |
| Dietary Preferences | Focuses on a balanced diet with adequate protein intake for athletic performance |
V. Cricket Career
| Playing Role | Fast bowler |
|---|---|
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm fast-medium |
| Teams Played For | |
| Domestic Teams | Delhi (Ranji Trophy & Vijay Hazare Trophy), Delhi Capitals (Indian Premier League) |
| International Teams | India (Test, ODI, T20I) |
| Jersey Number | India: No fixed number, typically wears #14 or #89; Delhi: #45; Delhi Capitals: #14 |
| Debut (Domestic/International) | Domestic: Ranji Trophy debut in 2006, List A debut in 2007, T20 debut in 2008; International: ODI debut in 2007, T20I debut in 2007, Test debut in 2007 |
| Career Progression | Rapidly rose through ranks in domestic cricket; impressive pace and swing bowling earned him a national team call-up at a young age |
| Notable Innings or Performances | Dismantled Ricky Ponting in Perth Test (2008), took 10 wickets in Lord’s Test (2014), played a key role in India’s 2013 Champions Trophy win, 300th Test wicket in Chennai Test (2021) |
| Challenges Overcome | Struggles with consistency early in his career, injuries, adapting to shorter formats |
| Team Dynamics and Relationships | Respected leader in the team, known for his positive attitude and camaraderie |
| Mentorship Received | Guided by veterans like Zaheer Khan and Anil Kumble |
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Early Life and Rise to Prominence
Ishant Sharma, affectionately nicknamed “Lambu,” the tall boy from Delhi, was born on September 2, 1988. Inspired by the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Zaheer Khan, he began his cricketing journey at a young age. He honed his skills at the Sonnet Club, where his raw talent and towering height caught the eye of scouts. Ishant’s dedication and hard work paid off, leading him to represent Delhi at various age levels and ultimately earning him the prestigious Lala Amarnath Award in 2007.
A Rapid Ascent and Early Struggles
Ishant Sharma’s meteoric rise continued as he made his international debut in 2007, a testament to his impressive pace and swing bowling. He famously dismantled Ricky Ponting in the Perth Test of 2008, announcing himself as a force to be reckoned with on the world stage. However, his career wasn’t without its challenges. Struggles with consistency and injuries tested his resolve, but Ishant persevered, adapting his bowling style and learning from seasoned veterans like Zaheer Khan and Anil Kumble.
A Tower of Strength in the Indian Bowling Attack
Ishant’s dedication has paid off handsomely. He has become a mainstay of the Indian bowling attack, claiming over 300 Test wickets and playing a pivotal role in India’s 2013 Champions Trophy victory. His ability to swing the ball both ways, combined with his relentless accuracy, makes him a potent threat for any batsman.
Beyond the Pace: Leadership and Mentality
Ishant Sharma is not just about raw pace; he is also a leader and a mentor. He is known for his positive attitude and camaraderie within the team, inspiring younger bowlers with his work ethic and experience. His journey from a young prodigy to a seasoned leader is a testament to his mental toughness and unwavering commitment to the sport.
Exploring Ishant’s Bowling Arsenal
A. Key Skills:
- Swing Bowling: Ishant Sharma’s ability to swing the ball both ways, especially late, makes him a challenging proposition for any batsman.
- Seam Movement: He uses the seam effectively to generate additional movement and bounce, creating unpredictable trajectories.
- Line and Length: Ishant’s consistent line and length allow him to build pressure and create wicket-taking opportunities.
- Accuracy: His ability to bowl long spells with pinpoint accuracy is invaluable in Test cricket.
B. Training Regimen:
- Strength and Conditioning: Ishant Sharma maintains a rigorous fitness regime that includes weight training, running, and cricket-specific drills to enhance his strength, endurance, and bowling speed.
- Net Practice: He spends hours honing his skills in the nets, simulating match situations and working on specific variations and deliveries.
- Mental Training: Ishant Sharma believes in the importance of mental toughness and incorporates visualization techniques to enhance his focus and confidence on the field.
C. Unique Playing Techniques and Strategies:
- The Ishant Leap: His trademark high jump before delivering the ball adds extra pace and generates bounce, making him a sight to behold.
- The Reverse Swing Master: Ishant is adept at using the reverse swing to his advantage, especially in the later stages of an innings.
- The Patience Game: He understands the value of patience and can build pressure over time, waiting for the batsman to make a mistake.
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired Ishant Sharma to pursue a career in cricket?
Ishant Sharma was inspired by watching cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Zaheer Khan during his childhood. Their influence played a significant role in shaping his cricketing aspirations.
Can you highlight some of Ishant Sharma’s notable performances in international cricket?
Ishant Sharma has left an indelible mark with remarkable performances, such as dismantling Ricky Ponting in the Perth Test (2008), taking 10 wickets in the Lord’s Test (2014), and playing a pivotal role in India’s 2013 Champions Trophy win.
What is Ishant Sharma’s preferred playing style and role in the team?
Ishant Sharma is a right-arm fast-medium bowler known for his pace and swing. His role as a fast bowler brings a crucial dimension to the Indian cricket team, especially in Test matches.