Ishant Sharma, born on September 2, 1988, in Delhi, India, has been a key figure in Indian cricket for over a decade. Standing at an imposing 6 feet 4 inches, his ability to generate bounce and movement has troubled some of the best batsmen in the world.
Affectionately called “Lambu,” Ishant started his cricketing journey at just 14. His dedication and raw pace quickly earned him a spot in Delhi’s Ranji Trophy squad at 18, paving the way for his international debut.
International Breakthrough: The Spell That Stunned Ponting
Ishant made his international debut in 2007 during India’s tour of South Africa, but it was in Australia (2008) that he truly announced himself.
His unforgettable spell to Ricky Ponting in the Perth Test remains one of the most iconic moments in Indian cricket. The way he relentlessly troubled the Aussie captain with bounce and seam movement earned him global recognition.
Over the years, Ishant has been a pillar of India’s Test bowling attack, often delivering match-winning performances. In February 2021, he became only the third Indian pacer to reach 300 Test wickets, a milestone that cements his legacy.
As of 2025, his Test career stats include:
✅ 105 matches
✅ 311 wickets
✅ Best figures: 7/74
✅ Bowling average: 32.41
A Journeyman in the IPL
While Ishant has been a dominant force in Test cricket, his Indian Premier League (IPL) journey has been an eventful one.
He started his IPL career in 2008 with Kolkata Knight Riders before playing for multiple franchises, including:
✔ Deccan Chargers
✔ Sunrisers Hyderabad
✔ Rising Pune Supergiants
✔ Kings XI Punjab
✔ Delhi Capitals
With every season, Ishant has adapted his bowling to suit the fast-paced T20 format. His ability to swing the new ball and execute yorkers at the death makes him a valuable T20 asset.
IPL 2025: New Chapter with Gujarat Titans
In the 2025 IPL season, Ishant Sharma joined Gujarat Titans, bringing experience and leadership to their bowling attack.
So far, his IPL career stats stand at:
🏏 111 matches
🎯 93 wickets
💥 Best figures: 5/12
🎯 Bowling average: 34.31
🔥 Economy rate: 8.23
Latest IPL Performance (March 29, 2025)
Playing against Mumbai Indians at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ishant bowled two overs and conceded 17 runs. While he went wicketless, his experience continues to be an asset to Gujarat’s young pace attack.
Life Beyond Cricket: Family & Personal Achievements
Off the field, Ishant is known for his calm demeanor and strong work ethic. He is married to Pratima Singh, a talented Indian basketball player. Their marriage in December 2016 brought together two athletes from different sports, making them one of India’s celebrated sports couples.
Ishant Sharma’s Legacy: More Than Just Numbers
While cricket is a game of statistics, Ishant Sharma’s impact goes beyond numbers. From being a raw, young pacer struggling with no-balls to becoming a seasoned campaigner leading India’s pace attack, his journey is one of resilience and growth.
His story is an inspiration to young fast bowlers, proving that hard work, discipline, and constant evolution are the keys to success. Even in 2025, Ishant Sharma remains a vital force in cricket, proving that age is just a number when passion meets perseverance.