Ishant Sharma: The Relentless Rise of an Indian Cricket Warrior
From “Lambu” to Legendary – The Inspiring Journey of a Modern Indian Cricketer
Introduction
Ishant Sharma is one of the most enduring fast bowlers Indian cricket has ever produced. Known widely by his nickname Lambu, Ishant Sharma’s journey reflects patience, resilience, and evolution in a cricketing culture that once struggled to produce world-class fast bowlers. As an Indian cricketer, he carved his legacy through discipline, fitness, and an unshakable belief in red-ball cricket.
From a teenage debutant to a senior statesman of India’s pace attack, Ishant Sharma’s career has seen both praise and criticism. He faced lean patches, loss of form, and stiff competition, yet he emerged stronger, reinventing himself to remain relevant at the highest level. His story is not about overnight success but about long-term perseverance.
Quick Bio of Ishant Sharma
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ishant Sharma |
| Nickname | Lambu |
| Date of Birth | 2 September 1988 |
| Age | 37 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Delhi, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Professional Cricketer |
| Role | Bowler |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm fast-medium |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) |
| School | Ganga International School, Delhi |
| Spouse | Pratima Singh |
| Children | One daughter |
Early Life and Background
Ishant Sharma was born in Delhi and grew up in a supportive household that encouraged his passion for cricket. His height set him apart early, and coaches quickly recognized his natural ability to extract bounce from the pitch. As a teenager, Ishant Sharma trained rigorously, focusing on pace, rhythm, and stamina.
His early cricketing years were marked by discipline rather than flamboyance. While many young players chased instant fame, Ishant Sharma focused on mastering his craft. This grounding played a crucial role when he entered the competitive world of domestic cricket at a young age.
Start of Professional Career
Ishant Sharma made his first-class debut for Delhi during the 2006–07 Ranji Trophy season. His ability to bowl long spells and maintain pace caught national selectors’ attention quickly. At just 18 years old, he was considered a rare fast-bowling prospect for India.
His selection into the Indian national team came sooner than expected. The transition from domestic cricket to international cricket was challenging, and early performances brought both excitement and scrutiny. Still, Ishant Sharma’s potential was undeniable.
International Career Overview
Test Cricket Journey
Ishant Sharma made his Test debut in 2007 and soon became a regular in India’s red-ball setup. Early in his career, he was often criticized for inconsistency, which was a negative phase that tested his mental strength. However, Ishant Sharma matured into a disciplined bowler who focused on accuracy rather than sheer pace.
Over the years, he became a workhorse for the Indian team, trusted to bowl long spells in overseas conditions. His transformation into a reliable Test bowler marked a positive turning point and solidified his place as a backbone of India’s pace attack.
Limited-Overs Career
In ODIs and T20Is, Ishant Sharma’s role was more limited. While he delivered several impactful performances, the fast-changing demands of white-ball cricket meant stiff competition for places. Despite fewer appearances, he contributed when called upon and remained professional throughout.
Although limited-overs cricket was not his strongest format, it added depth to his experience and helped refine his skills in variation and control.
International Career Statistics
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 105 | 311 | 7/74 |
| ODI | 80 | 115 | 4/34 |
| T20I | 14 | 8 | 2/34 |
Indian Premier League Career
Ishant Sharma has been part of several IPL franchises, including Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals, and Gujarat Titans. His IPL journey reflects adaptability, as he adjusted his bowling style to suit shorter formats.
While not always a headline IPL star, his experience and calm presence added value to team environments. His IPL career highlights the balance between success and struggle that many fast bowlers face in T20 cricket.
Playing Style and Strengths
Standing tall at 6 ft 4 in, Ishant Sharma uses bounce as his primary weapon. Over time, he evolved from an express pacer into a bowler who relied on seam movement, accuracy, and patience. This shift extended his career and improved his effectiveness.
A positive aspect of his game is his ability to bowl disciplined spells without seeking instant rewards. On the negative side, early inconsistency affected his reputation, but perseverance helped him overcome that phase.
Personal Life
Ishant Sharma married Pratima Singh, a former Indian basketball player, in 2016. Despite being a public figure, he maintains a relatively private personal life. In 2023, the couple welcomed their daughter.
Balancing professional demands and family life, Ishant Sharma is known for his calm demeanor off the field, which contrasts with his competitive spirit on it.
Income and Professional Standing
As an established Indian cricketer, Ishant Sharma earned through international cricket contracts, IPL salaries, and brand endorsements. His long career reflects financial stability built through consistent performance rather than short-term success.
Legacy of Ishant Sharma
Ishant Sharma’s legacy lies in redefining India’s fast-bowling culture. He proved that Indian pacers could thrive overseas and sustain long Test careers. His journey from a raw teenager to a seasoned professional inspired younger fast bowlers to focus on fitness and discipline.
Though he faced criticism and setbacks, his ability to adapt stands as his greatest achievement. Ishant Sharma remains a symbol of endurance in modern Indian cricket.
Conclusion
Ishant Sharma’s career is a powerful lesson in patience, self-belief, and reinvention. While his journey included difficult phases and public criticism, his commitment to improvement turned challenges into strengths. As Lambu, the tall fast bowler from Delhi, he earned respect through hard work rather than hype.
His contribution to Indian cricket goes beyond statistics. Ishant Sharma helped shape an era where India became confident in its pace bowling resources, leaving behind a legacy that future generations will admire.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Ishant Sharma?
Ishant Sharma is an Indian cricketer known for his role as a right-arm fast-medium bowler in international cricket.
Why is Ishant Sharma called Lambu?
He is nicknamed Lambu because of his tall height, which is over six feet.
How many Test wickets has Ishant Sharma taken?
Ishant Sharma has taken 311 wickets in Test cricket.
Is Ishant Sharma married?
Yes, Ishant Sharma is married to Pratima Singh.
What is Ishant Sharma’s biggest contribution to Indian cricket?
His biggest contribution is establishing consistency and endurance in India’s fast-bowling unit, especially in Test cricket.
