His seven-over spell in the second innings of the Perth Test of 2008 is one of his most talked about spells by an Indian bowler as an Australian legend had been trumped by a youngster playing just his fourth Test. Ishant’s honeymoon period in Australia continued as he helped India win the last ever annual Tri-series ODI competition down under baggin the most wickets for the visitors. But since his initial success, Ishant has struggled to make a sustained impact because of injury woes. Yet, whenever he has been brought back into the Indian Test side, his contributions have been steady. The 2010 series against Australia and New Zealand in 2010 at home is a case in point.

His ability to generate bounce from his height makes him a vital asset for India’s overseas tours, particularly those played outside the subcontinent. Sharma is also known for being a stubborn lower-order bat. He showed a lot of commitment with the bat teaming up with VVS Laxman in 2010 to register an iconic win against Ausralia in Mohali. 

He has often received a lot of criticism for being inconsistent even after playing more than fifty Test matches for India. For Ishant though it is a constant learning process and the road to success will definitely come his way. In 2014, he took center stage with a seven-wicket haul against England at Lord’s which helped India win at the Home of Cricket after 28 years. In Ishant there is hope and a constant prayer for him to be India’s next leader of the pace attack.