Indian · Delhi, India · Born 2 September 1988Indian fast bowler who became one of India's most successful pace bowlers in Test cricket with over 300 wickets in international career.
Born on 2 September 1988 in Delhi, India, Ishant Sharma emerged from the bustling cricket culture of the capital to become one of India's most enduring fast bowlers. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall, his imposing frame and natural bounce caught the attention of selectors early in his career. He progressed through Delhi's age-group cricket before making his mark in domestic competitions. Sharma burst onto the international scene in 2007, making his Test debut against Bangladesh at just 18 years old. His breakthrough moment came during the 2008 series in Australia, where he famously troubled Ricky Ponting with sustained short-pitched bowling at the WACA in Perth. This performance established him as a genuine threat on fast, bouncy pitches and marked the beginning of a long international career. Throughout the 2010s, he formed the backbone of India's pace attack alongside Zaheer Khan and later Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. During his 15-year international career, Sharma became India's most capped fast bowler in Test cricket, playing 105 matches and taking 311 wickets at an average of 32.54. He was instrumental in India's historic Test series victories abroad, including the 2018-19 triumph in Australia and the 2020-21 series win against England. In limited-overs cricket, he represented India in 80 ODIs, taking 115 wickets. His ability to extract bounce from any surface made him particularly effective in overseas conditions where Indian fast bowlers had traditionally struggled. Sharma's legacy extends beyond his statistical achievements. He represented the evolution of Indian fast bowling from being primarily spin-dependent to developing a world-class pace attack. His longevity and consistency provided stability to the bowling unit during India's rise to become the world's number one Test team. After playing his final Test in 2021, he transitioned into domestic cricket administration, continuing his contribution to Indian cricket in a different capacity.
Bowling spell to Ricky Ponting in 2008 Perth Test
In his first Test series in 2007, as an 18-year-old, he troubled Australian legend Ricky Ponting with extraordinary short-pitched bowling — a remarkable debut.
Did You Know?How They Played
Tall right-arm fast bowler who generates steep bounce and seam movement
Lasting Impact
One of India's longest-serving fast bowlers who helped establish pace bowling tradition
Career Honours
- ICC Test top-10 bowler (career)
| Club | Period | Matches | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi Capitals | 2018–2024 | 67 | 43 |
| Delhi | 2008–2017 | 96 | 400 |
| Sussex | 2010–2010 | — | — |
Indian Athletes