THERE COULDN'T HAVE BEEN a better birthday present for the latest 200-club entrant, Ishant Sharma. On the eve of his 27th birthday, Ishant delivered what was probably one of his finest bowling performances and helped India clinch a historic series win in Sri Lanka. On the way, he also picked up his 200th Test wicket, becoming only the fourth Indian pacer to do so.
Ishant, the leader of India’s bowling attack, has had a fruitful Test series in Lanka. In the deciding Test in Colombo, he registered a five-wicket haul in the first innings and picked up three more scalps in the second. This series has seen Ishant mature into a dominant fast bowler, as observed by both, fans and critics. He has shown immense discipline most of the times, barring his tendency to bowl frequent no-balls. He will have to work on it. However, his on-field altercation with some of the Lankan bowlers has put the Delhi pacer in bad light, resulting in fined match fees and a one-match ban. Unfortunately, Ishant will be missing India’s first Test against the touring South Africans.
Ishant’s aggression may not have gone down too well with some of India’s former players. Ex-bowler Bishan Singh Bedi called the fast bowler’s display of aggression as “pathetic”. But it is all about perspective, really. Indian captain Virat Kohli actually enjoyed Ishant’s aggression, terming it as “captain’s delight”. A one-Test ban is undoubtedly a price too heavy to pay, but it’s only a matter of time before the calmness sets it. Over the years, we’ve only heard about Ishant being the spearhead of India’s bowling attack. With a successful series in Sri Lanka, he is now truly becoming one.
On a lighter note, his teammates took to Twitter yesterday to wish their favourite “lambe” on his 27th birthday. Ishant, in response, thanked them for their wishes.