Top 5 key insights from Ishant Sharma’s recent podcast appearance

Former India pacer Ishant Sharma recently opened up in a podcast during the Asia Cup 2025, sharing his views on the game and his journey. The 37-year-old, who last represented India in 2021 against New Zealand in a home Test series, continues to stay connected with the sport.

One of India’s most successful fast bowlers, Ishant stands as the country’s sixth-highest wicket-taker in Tests, with 311 scalps in 105 matches, including 11 five-wicket hauls. Beyond the red-ball format, he featured in 94 limited-overs games for India, bagging 123 wickets across ODIs and T20Is.

Although his last ODI appearance came back in 2016, Ishant has kept himself relevant in domestic cricket. He remains an active figure across formats, while also contributing in franchise cricket, most recently turning out for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025. His longevity highlights his determination and passion for the game, even without a national comeback.

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Some Important Remarks by Ishant Sharma in his Latest Appearance:

During his appearance on the Raj Shamani podcast, Ishant Sharma touched upon a range of subjects, from cricketing experiences to personal insights. The veteran pacer, who has been part of several historic moments for Indian cricket, didn’t shy away from expressing his honest opinions.

Across the conversation, he shared perspectives not just on the game but also on life off the field. From his journey as a fast bowler to reflections on challenges and the evolving landscape of cricket, Ishant offered plenty of takeaways. Here’s a closer look at five key remarks he made during the candid chat.

• Battling Depression After the Setback of 2013

Ishant Sharma’s 2013 season with Team India was a mix of highs and lows. The senior pacer played a crucial part in India’s Champions Trophy triumph in England, where his breakthroughs and discipline stood out in key moments.

But the joy didn’t last long. Later that year, during the ODI series against Australia at home, Ishant faced one of the most difficult phases of his career. With the series evenly poised at 1-1, India looked set to take the lead before disaster struck in the 48th over.

Defending 44 off 18 balls, Ishant conceded a shocking 30 runs, as James Faulkner hammered him all around the park. Australia pulled off a dramatic chase and went 2-1 up in the seven-match series. Ishant’s figures of 1/63 in eight overs drew heavy criticism, and he was subsequently dropped for the rest of the series, marking one of his lowest points in international cricket.

He said, “ I went into depression for a month. Not depression exactly but I used to cry every day. I was dating Pratima at that time. I shared my feelings with her that I could not with my parents as well.”

He further said, “ She is not only my wife but like my best friend. I used to call her and cry that the team lost because of me. Then we went to South Africa. I did not play the first two one-days and played the third. I was in my shell and was not able to move on.”

• Missing Out on His Biggest Career Dream

Ishant Sharma candidly reflected on his unfulfilled dream of becoming the highest wicket-taker in Test history. Having burst onto the scene at just 18, his early promise suggested he could chase down Muttiah Muralitharan’s monumental 800 wickets.

However, inconsistent phases, injuries, and his absence from the national side since 2021 have curtailed that ambition. Despite his longevity and experience, the milestone now seems well out of reach for the veteran pacer.

He added, “ I mean, there were two or three things. My goal was something else which I couldn’t achieve, like I wanted to have the most wickets in Test cricket. But nothing happens, right? Life hasn’t ended; life has just started. Okay fine, I couldn’t do it, I couldn’t do it. It’s a different thing.”

At present, Ishant holds 311 Test wickets, placing him 34th on the all-time list. Among Indian fast bowlers, he sits joint-second, underscoring his significant but incomplete legacy in red-ball cricket.

• The Nightwatchman Tale Featuring MS Dhoni

Ishant Sharma shared an interesting memory from the iconic 2010 Mohali Test against Australia, where MS Dhoni wanted him to act as the nightwatchman. Though Ishant was hesitant, the role eventually became a defining moment of the match.

Known more for his bowling than batting, Ishant displayed remarkable resilience in the fourth innings. He scored 31 runs from 92 deliveries and stitched together a crucial 81-run stand with VVS Laxman for the ninth wicket. Their partnership played a massive role in securing India’s nail-biting one-wicket victory in a classic encounter.

He said, “ In that match, I was suffering from a knee ache. So I had taken injections. Every session, I took an injection. I was asked to go in as a nightwatchman. I told MS Dhoni, 'My legs are hurting. Please send Zaheer Khan.' He said, 'No, you go and bat'. I said, 'I don't openly talk about it, but it is really hurting' because I had taken injections and bowled as well. I had taken three wickets in the second innings as well. He then agreed.”

Earlier in the same Test, Ishant had already taken up the nightwatchman role, walking in at No. 4 and grinding out 18 runs off 56 balls. While unexpected, his batting contributions in both innings left a lasting mark on the game and showcased his determination in pressure situations.

• Ishant Sharma Names the Wicket He Cherishes Most

Ishant Sharma shared that one of the most memorable wickets of his career came against Travis Head during the 2018-19 Test opener in Adelaide. With the game finely balanced and Australia chasing 323, every breakthrough mattered.

Australia slipped to 84/4 before Head steadied things with a fighting stand alongside Peter Handscomb. Just as the partnership threatened to grow, Ishant struck with a sharp bouncer that forced Head’s dismissal at a vital moment. The breakthrough proved to be a game-changer.

He said, “ I’ll tell you about Travis Head. I got him out in the first Test match (2018-19 BGT). They were chasing, and he was playing well, handling it steadily and controlling the game. At the end of the day’s play, Bharat Arun, our bowling coach, and I were sitting and talking. He used to call me ‘Cardi,’ which is a South Indian thing. Then he asked me, “Cardi, what do you think about Travis Head?”

He added, “ I said, “Pajji, I’ll bowl the first two overs on fuller length, then in the third over, on the fourth or fifth ball, I’ll bowl a bouncer. Then he’ll get out.” When he had settled in, thinking I was just bowling normally, I bowled that exact bouncer in the same over, and he got out. That’s exactly how it happened.”

India eventually closed out the match with a 31-run win, taking the lead in the series. That scalp remains close to Ishant’s heart as it came in a historic campaign where India went on to register their maiden Test series win in Australia.

• Shocking Insight into Gautam Gambhir’s Career

Ishant Sharma shared that current India head coach Gautam Gambhir was one of his strongest supporters during his domestic cricket days with Delhi. He also highlighted the encouragement he received from Gambhir’s longtime opening partner, Virender Sehwag, which helped him navigate the challenges of professional cricket.

He further said, “ There have been different seniors at different stages. When I was playing Ranji Trophy, Gautam Gambhir supported me the most. Then Virender Sehwag. When I played for India, there were so many big names in the dressing room that you were unsure about whom to speak to. You wanted someone with you when you were having a meal in places like Australia and South Africa”

He concluded, “ I approached Sehwag and he said, 'What are you tense about? Let's go'. Sehwag is the kind of senior everyone should get because he is very supportive. If he sees talent in a player, he will make sure that player gets to play.”

The trio—Ishant, Gambhir, and Sehwag—played key roles in shaping India’s dominance in Test cricket during the late 2000s. Their combined efforts and consistent performances were instrumental in India achieving the top spot in the ICC Test rankings. Ishant’s reflections underline the importance of mentorship and support from senior players in building confidence and contributing to team success.