Career Timeline of Ishant Sharma: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Ishant Sharma, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Ishant Sharma is an Indian cricketer, a tall right-arm fast-medium bowler who has played in all formats for India. He achieved the milestone of 100 Test wickets at a young age. Known for his accuracy and rhythm, he is also one of the fastest Indian bowlers, exceeding speeds of 150 km/h. His accomplishments were recognized with the Arjuna Award in 2020. He was a part of the Indian team that won the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2006: Deselected from South Africa Tour

At the age of 18, in 2006, Ishant Sharma was initially called to join the Indian squad for the tour of South Africa but was later deselected after travel arrangements were made.

2006: India Under-19s Tour of England

In 2006, Ishant Sharma toured England with the India Under-19s team.

May 2007: Selection for Bangladesh Tour

In May 2007, Ishant Sharma was selected in the Test team for the Bangladesh tour as a replacement for Munaf Patel.

August 2007: Tour of England

Ishant Sharma was called for the tour of England in July-August 2007.

December 2007: Call Back to the Team

In December 2007, Ishant Sharma was called back to the team for the 3rd Test during Pakistan's tour of India due to injuries of Zaheer Khan, RP Singh, and Sreesanth, where he picked up 5 wickets and earned a place in the squad for the tour of Australia.

2007: Yuvraj Singh's expensive over

In 2013 Ind vs. Aus ODI series, Ishant Sharma gave away 30 runs in an over, equalling the most expensive over by an Indian bowler and joining Yuvraj Singh, who himself had previously conceded 30 runs in an ODI match against England in 2007.

January 2008: Replaces Injured Zaheer Khan

In January 2008, Ishant Sharma replaced the injured Zaheer Khan in the second Test at the SCG, but faced a controversial decision from Steve Bucknor.

February 2008: Man of the Match Performance

On 10 February 2008, Ishant Sharma took four wickets in the 4th ODI of CB Series against Australia, finishing with figures of 4/38 and was named Man of the Match. On 18 February 2008, he also took two wickets versus Australia in the 7th ODI of CB series.

2008: Kolkata Knight Riders Purchase

Based on his strong performance in Australia, in 2008, Ishant Sharma was bought for $950,000 by Kolkata Knight Riders in the player auction for the Indian Premier League, making him the highest-paid bowler in the tournament.

2008: Man of the Series

During the 2008 Test series against Australia in India, Ishant Sharma was the leading wicket-taker with 16 wickets and was named man-of-the-series.

2008: Bowling Speed

In 2008, Ishant Sharma bowled a delivery at over 152 kilometres per hour (94 mph).

2009: Dropped for Second Test

In 2009, Ishant Sharma's form declined, leading to him being dropped for the second Test against Sri Lanka.

August 2010: Return to ODI Team

In August 2010, Ishant Sharma played his first ODI since August 2010.

October 2010: Unlikely Win Over Australia

On 5 October 2010, Ishant Sharma helped VVS Laxman achieve a one-wicket win over Australia in the first Test in Mohali, contributing 31 runs in an 81-run partnership.

2010: Bowling Speed with Eric Simons

From 2010 to 2012, under Eric Simons, Ishant Sharma was regularly bowling in excess of 140 km/h.

2011: Bowling Speed in Australia Tour

During India's tour of Australia in 2011, Ishant Sharma bowled in excess of 140 km/h regularly, under Eric Simons' coaching.

2011: 100 Test Wickets

In 2011, Ishant Sharma became the fifth youngest player to take 100 Test wickets.

2011: Tough Series and Ankle Injury

In 2011, Ishant Sharma played in four Tests in England, managing 11 wickets, and suffered an ankle injury. He also played in four Tests in Australia, taking five wickets.

2011: IPL and West Indies Tour

In 2011, Ishant Sharma was bought by the Deccan Chargers in the IPL and later selected for the ODI series against the West Indies, taking one wicket from two matches. He also claimed his 100th Test wicket in the second Test against the West Indies, taking ten wickets in the match and becoming the leading wicket-taker in the series with 22 dismissals.

2012: Bowling Speed with Eric Simons

From 2010 to 2012, under Eric Simons, Ishant Sharma was regularly bowling in excess of 140 km/h.

December 2013: Strong Comeback

After bad performances in the 2013 ODI series against Australia, Ishant Sharma took 4/40 in the third ODI against South Africa on 11 December 2013, which was his 2nd best performance in ODIs.

2013: ICC Champions Trophy Win

In 2013, Ishant Sharma was a member of the Indian team that won the ICC Champions Trophy.

2013: Expensive Over

In the 2013 Ind vs. Aus ODI series, Ishant Sharma conceded 30 runs in an over, matching Yuvraj Singh's record from 2007.

2014: Career-Best Figures at Lord's

In the 2014 tour of England, Ishant Sharma achieved his career-best figures of 7/74 at Lord's, leading India to a 95-run win. He also took Alastair Cook's sole Test wicket during the series.

2015: 200th Test Wicket and Ban

In the 2015 Test series in Sri Lanka, Ishant Sharma took 13 wickets, including a 5-wicket haul, and picked up his 200th Test wicket, but was handed a one-match ban by the ICC following an altercation.

February 2018: Joins Sussex CCC

On 15 February 2018, it was officially announced that Ishant Sharma would join Sussex CCC for the first two months of the 2018 county season, making him the 9th Indian to play for Sussex.