Ishant Sharma’s International Career Hangs in Balance

Ishant Sharma, one of India’s finest fast bowlers, now faces uncertainty in his international career. With 434 wickets across formats and a crucial role in India’s 2013 ICC Champions Trophy win, the Delhi pacer has been largely ignored by selectors over the past five years. At 37, retirement appears to be his only remaining option as younger bowlers are given preference in the team.

Having played over 100 Test matches, Ishant’s records are remarkable 311 Test wickets in 105 matches, 115 wickets in 80 One Day Internationals, and 8 wickets in 14 T20 matches. His last appearance came in the Kanpur Test against New Zealand in November 2021, where he failed to take a wicket. With established fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Aakash Deep dominating the current lineup, Ishant’s path back to the team seems closed.