Best moments from birthday boy Ishant Sharma’s career

India’s lanky pacer Ishant Sharma celebrated his 29th birthday on 2nd September. Sharma made his debut at the age of 19 against Bangladesh in May, 2007. For his unique physique and height, Ishant Sharma was nicknamed ‘Lambu’. Over the years, Sharma went on to become India’s most promising future star as he became the fifth youngest bowler to grab 100 Test scalps. With his ability to hit hard on the decks and bowl over 150 kph, Sharma is a key bowler in the Indian bowling unit. As Ishant Sharma celebrates his birthday today, we look back to the Top 3 finest moments of his career.

1. India’s unsung hero in the Chandigarh test.

When everyone remembers only one name(VVS Laxman) in India’s finest test victory against Australia in the Chandigarh test, India’s impossible looking victory turned to a reality also because Ishant Sharma batted the knock of his life. India’s response to the target of 216 saw the hosts losing the plot easily. India started losing the wickets from the very first over and were struggling at 124/8 with Ben Hilfenhaus and Doug Bollinger ripping through India’s batting order. Laxman, stranded at one end, needed only a wicket saving support from MS Dhoni and Harbhajan Singh after the dismissal of Sachin Tendulkar. MS and Harbhajan were sent back to the pavilion in single digits. Ishant came out to bat then, something that was a mere formality for the fans. Ishant Sharma just delivered what was demanded from Laxman at the other end. Sharma batted for nearly two hours as he scored 31 from 92 deliveries before he fell at India’s total of 205. Laxman finished off the formalities as India snatch a surreal victory against the mighty Aussies. Notably, this is also his highest Test Score till date.

2. Lord’s victory after 28 years- Credit: Ishant Sharma

One of the major achievements in the golden career of MS Dhoni’s leadership has been India’s test win at the Iconic Lords, the one that ended long 28 year wait.England came down to chase the target of 319 runs, but saw the top four batsman back in the hut at the score of 72. Joe Root and Moeen Ali looked strong enough to guide the wobbling English side to salvage atleast at draw. Sharma broke the 101 run stand as he dismissed Moeen Ali. There was no stopping to Ishant Sharma as he broke the English batting line up then, picking up 7/74- his career best figures in Test Cricket leading India to a 95 run victory at Lords.

3. Ishant Sharma vs Steve Smith

Ishant has been a prime bowler in India’s Test unit. Sharma troubled the Aussie great, Ricky Ponting,a lot in his career and this time it was Steve Smith who was on the receiving end. Sharma will be remembered for years, may be not for his spell, but for the banter that heated up the series early. Ishant Sharma started imitating the visiting skipper Steve Smith for his peculiar neck movement. Ishant Sharma’s priceless reaction kept him trending on social media.