Ishant Sharma

After being termed “India’s next big thing” in fast bowling set-up by former Australian cricketer Steve Waugh, speedster Ishant Sharma saw a roller-coaster ride in his international career. It was the wicket of Australian great Ricky Ponting on India’s tour of Australia in 2008 that prompted Waugh hail Ishant for his daunting pace. Later in his career, Ishant lost his pace that led him out of the limited-over format. However, the tall-built that helps him bowl accurate and strength to bowl 30 overs a day in a Test match assured him a permanent spot in the longest format of cricket. Having started playing cricket at the age of 14, the Delhi pacer made his international debut on May 25, 2007, in a Test match against Bangladesh at Dhaka. Thanks to a successful start, he was included in the limited-over squad and made his ODI debut on July 29, 2007, playing South Africa at Belfast. The 6’4” spearhead made his T20I debut on February 1, 2008, in a match against Australia at Melbourne.