Indian fast bowler Ishant Sharma celebrates his 36th birthday on Monday (September 2). Known for his formidable presence in Test cricket, Ishant first caught the attention of the cricketing world during the 2007-08 Test series. Australia. Since then, he has gone from strength to strength as a red-ball specialist, representing India in more than 100 Test matches.
His success is not limited to tests alone; Ishant has also contributed a lot to India’s limited-overs success, including their own Champions Trophy 2013 victory. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to cricket, Ishant was awarded the Arjuna Award in 2020.
Ishant Sharma’s top pick for the last over
On this special day, Star Sports India shared an interesting video featuring Ishant and another cricketer Harbhajan Singh. In the video, the two cricket stars engaged in a lively conversation with the host Sahiba Bali. When asked who he would choose to bowl to if given one last chance against the Australian batsmen, Ishant did not hesitate to name the former Australian captain. Steve Smith.
Despite the challenges, Ishant managed to get Smith out only once in eight Tests, when Smith scored 176 runs from 364 balls against him, maintaining an average of 176. In short-overs cricket, Ishant had more success, dismissing Smith twice. in seven games.
Happy Birthday to the Indian speedster! 🥳
Look #HarbhajanSingh, @ImIshantagain #SahibaBali share a funny story from old Ishant vs. #SteveSmith meeting. 🎂 pic.twitter.com/1CGtvMcHf3
– Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) September 2, 2024
A memorable incident during the Border Gavaskar Trophy
Harbhajan reminded Ishant of a memorable and funny incident from his childhood Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test series against Australia. During the second Test of the 2017 series in Bengaluru, Ishant was seen making funny faces at Smith, a move meant to mimic Smith’s unique batting style. This ironic play came at a crucial time, when India lost the first Test in Pune. The Bengaluru Test was a highlight, with Ishant’s antics, which included making funny faces even for the captain.n Virat Kohliit was a highlight. India went on to win the Bengaluru Test by 75 runs, contributing to their series victory.
ALSO READ: Meet Ishant Sharma’s wife – Pratima Singh: A talented athlete and a loving partner
Ishant’s international career and recent performance
Although Ishant has not played for the Indian national team since the Test series against them at home New Zealand in 2021, he is still an influential figure in domestic cricket. He is India’s fifth highest wicket-taker in Tests, with 311 wickets at an average of 32.40 in 105 matches. Additionally, Ishant has collected 123 wickets in 80 ODIs and 14 T20Is. He last appeared in white ball cricket in 2016 during the ODI series in Australia.
Impact performance in IPL
Despite his absence from international cricket, Ishant has continued to make an impact on the game Indian Premier League (IPL). In the 2024 season, representing the Delhi Capitals (DC)Ishant showed his mettle by taking 10 wickets at an average of 26.50 in nine matches. His performance was instrumental in DC’s resurgence in the latter part of the season. Ishant also played impressively in IPL 2023, picking up 10 wickets in eight matches. Although DC missed out on the playoffs for the third consecutive season, Ishant’s new-ball spell has been a key factor in their improvement.
With the IPL Mega Auction approaching later this year, it remains to be seen whether Ishant will continue with DC or find a new home with another franchise. His ability to deliver impactful performances, even at this stage of his career, makes him a valuable player in the T20 league.
Also READ: IPL 2025 auction: 4 players DC can retain under current ‘3+1’ rule
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