Ishant Sharma is one of India’s most experienced and respected fast bowlers, known for his towering height, high-arm action, and relentless spells in Test cricket. Nicknamed “Lambu” for his tall frame, Ishant announced his arrival on the world stage as a teenager and went on to become India’s first fast bowler to play 100 Test matches.
From raw pace in his early years to control and swing as a seasoned campaigner, Ishant’s journey reflects growth, resilience, and mastery of the craft of fast bowling.
Early Life and Background
Ishant Sharma was born on 2 September 1988 in Delhi, India. Growing up in the capital, he developed an early fascination with fast bowling and pace. His height gave him a natural advantage, but it was his discipline and hunger to improve that set him apart.
He trained at local academies in Delhi, where coaches quickly noticed his ability to generate bounce and pace. As a teenager, Ishant’s performances in domestic cricket brought him into national contention at a very young age.
International Debut and Early Career
Ishant Sharma made his Test debut in 2007, followed by his ODI debut the same year. Despite his youth, he was entrusted with the responsibility of bowling fast in challenging conditions—an indication of the faith selectors placed in his potential.
Initially, he relied heavily on speed and aggression, regularly clocking deliveries above 150 km/h. Over time, international exposure helped him refine his line, length, and movement.
Breakthrough Tour of Australia (2008)
Ishant Sharma’s career-defining moment came during India’s tour of Australia in 2008. His fiery spell to Ricky Ponting, where he repeatedly beat the Australian captain with pace and bounce, became one of the most iconic moments in Indian fast-bowling history.
That series transformed Ishant from a promising youngster into a recognised force in world cricket, marking his true breakthrough at the highest level.
Evolution as a Test Match Bowler
As his career progressed, Ishant evolved from a pace-only bowler into a complete fast-bowling package. He learned to:
- Extract seam movement
- Swing the ball in helpful conditions
- Maintain pressure with disciplined spells
His performances in overseas Tests—especially in England, Australia, and South Africa—played a crucial role in India’s rise as a competitive touring side.
Test Milestones and Records
Ishant Sharma achieved several major milestones in Test cricket:
- 100th Test match in 2021, becoming the first Indian fast bowler to reach the landmark
- 300 Test wickets, achieved in the same year
- One of India’s most reliable bowlers in the pace-dominated era
These achievements cemented his status as a modern great of Indian Test cricket.
Indian Premier League (IPL) Career
Alongside international cricket, Ishant Sharma has been a consistent presence in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Over the years, he represented multiple franchises, including:
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- Delhi Capitals
- Deccan Chargers
- Gujarat Titans
One of his standout IPL moments came in 2012, when he took a memorable five-wicket haul for Deccan Chargers. In later seasons, he was valued for his experience, discipline, and ability to bowl in pressure situations.
County Cricket Experience
In 2017, Ishant played county cricket for Sussex, a phase that significantly enhanced his bowling maturity. English conditions helped him improve:
- Swing control
- Consistency with the Duke’s ball
- Patience during long spells
This experience reflected positively on his subsequent Test performances for India.
Playing Style and Strengths
Ishant Sharma is known for:
- Tall, lean build with a high-arm bowling action
- Ability to generate a steep bounce
- Sustained pace and movement
- Long, attacking spells in Test cricket
Over time, he transitioned from an express pacer to a thinking bowler—an evolution crucial to his longevity.
Related Internal Links
- Jyothi Yarraji Biography
- Piyush Pandey Biography
- Fatima Sana Shaikh Biography
- Dhanashree Verma Biography
- Bharti Singh Biography
Awards and Recognition
In recognition of his contribution to Indian cricket, Ishant Sharma was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 2020, India’s second-highest sporting honour. The award acknowledged not just his numbers, but his impact as a spearhead of India’s pace attack.
Personal Life
Ishant Sharma married Pratima Singh, a former Indian women’s basketball player, in 2016. The couple is known for maintaining a low-profile personal life, focusing on fitness, discipline, and professional commitments.
Legacy and Impact
Ishant Sharma’s career represents the transformation of Indian fast bowling. From a teenage speedster to a seasoned Test veteran, he proved that Indian pacers can thrive across conditions with patience and skill.
His journey continues to inspire young fast bowlers aiming to build long, impactful careers in international cricket.
FAQs About Ishant Sharma
Q1. Who is Ishant Sharma?
Ishant Sharma is an Indian international cricketer and right-arm fast-medium bowler.
Q2. Why is Ishant Sharma called “Lambu”?
He is nicknamed “Lambu” because of his tall height.
Q3. What was Ishant Sharma’s career breakthrough?
His aggressive spell against Ricky Ponting during the 2008 Australia tour.
Q4. Has Ishant Sharma played 100 Tests?
Yes, he became the first Indian fast bowler to play 100 Test matches in 2021.