‘Ishant Sharma tells Mobile ESPN’s Aman Kapoor in an exclusive interview how a fierce spell in Perth changed his career.
The year 2008 marked a remarkable run for Indian cricket and a lanky new fast bowler was born. Ishant Sharma had Ricky Ponting clueless about the position of his off-stump during India's tour Down Under. Sharma, his hair whirling in the Perth breeze, made Punter his humbled bunny. That in-swinger that bowled Ponting must have made sleep hard to come for the Aussie skipper several times in the days that followed.
WACA changed my career
Ishant confessed the magical spell at the WACA was the turning point in his career. "The spell I bowled to Ponting at Perth was a life-turner for me. It put me on the world map. It feels great to force a batsman of Ponting's stature on his toes. The Test series shot me into prominence."
Ishant has shown in the last few series he can move the ball both ways. Even the best of batsmen who can see them coming have been left bewildered. So how is he mastering the art of reverse swing?
"I have been working hard with Zaheer (Khan). We keep having chats and discussions on the field and off it about action, about seam positioning, and of course how to reverse-swing. We have used it well in the last couple of series. If the opposition's three frontline pacers are taking fewer wickets than men and Zaheer combined, I guess the results are showing."
Zak a great motivation
And how has it been bowling alongside a veteran pro like Zaheer?
"Zaheer has been very influential not just for me but for the entire team. Though he was hit by injuries, he came back strong and more focused. He has literally become an expert in the art of reverse-swing. He is very clear in his plans against every batsman. We talk about where to bowl to a batsman and most of the time it works out well."
Ian Chappell recently asserted that the Australian monopoly at the top was now fading, but Ishant refuses to let go off modesty.
"We're not really thinking about it. We just want to play good cricket. We have plans for different oppositions we face. As long as the plans are executed properly, ranking will take care of itself."
Team India lives up to its reputation
India are now a team brimming with options, and in a batsman-centric sport, Ishant has carved a niche for him.
On his skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's leadership, the speedster had this to say: "He knows his job. One does not feel under pressure when he is on the field. He talks to me like a friend and does not like to impose his ideas. The team gels well with Dhoni."
Signing off with an effortless "happy new year to you," Ishant walks tall, and we hope he can wreak more havoc on Kiwi wickets when India travel Down Under in March, 2009.
Sehwag hails Ishant
The year 2008 marked a remarkable run for Indian cricket and a lanky new fast bowler was born. Ishant Sharma had Ricky Ponting clueless about the position of his off-stump during India's tour Down Under. Sharma, his hair whirling in the Perth breeze, made Punter his humbled bunny. That in-swinger that bowled Ponting must have made sleep hard to come for the Aussie skipper several times in the days that followed.
WACA changed my career
Ishant confessed the magical spell at the WACA was the turning point in his career. "The spell I bowled to Ponting at Perth was a life-turner for me. It put me on the world map. It feels great to force a batsman of Ponting's stature on his toes. The Test series shot me into prominence."
Ishant has shown in the last few series he can move the ball both ways. Even the best of batsmen who can see them coming have been left bewildered. So how is he mastering the art of reverse swing?
"I have been working hard with Zaheer (Khan). We keep having chats and discussions on the field and off it about action, about seam positioning, and of course how to reverse-swing. We have used it well in the last couple of series. If the opposition's three frontline pacers are taking fewer wickets than men and Zaheer combined, I guess the results are showing."
Zak a great motivation
And how has it been bowling alongside a veteran pro like Zaheer?
"Zaheer has been very influential not just for me but for the entire team. Though he was hit by injuries, he came back strong and more focused. He has literally become an expert in the art of reverse-swing. He is very clear in his plans against every batsman. We talk about where to bowl to a batsman and most of the time it works out well."
Ian Chappell recently asserted that the Australian monopoly at the top was now fading, but Ishant refuses to let go off modesty.
"We're not really thinking about it. We just want to play good cricket. We have plans for different oppositions we face. As long as the plans are executed properly, ranking will take care of itself."
Team India lives up to its reputation
India are now a team brimming with options, and in a batsman-centric sport, Ishant has carved a niche for him.
On his skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's leadership, the speedster had this to say: "He knows his job. One does not feel under pressure when he is on the field. He talks to me like a friend and does not like to impose his ideas. The team gels well with Dhoni."
Signing off with an effortless "happy new year to you," Ishant walks tall, and we hope he can wreak more havoc on Kiwi wickets when India travel Down Under in March, 2009.
Sehwag hails Ishant
