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Ishant Sharma recalls his maiden Test fifty against West Indies in 2019, playful banter with Virat Kohli and key partnership with Vihari that helped India win the match.
Ishant Sharma and Virat Kohli (PTI)
Indian pacer Ishant Sharma reminisced about scoring his maiden Test half-century against the West Indies in 2019 at Kingston and the playful teasing he received from his close friend and teammate Virat Kohli, who jokingly urged him to “just play the ball”.
Ishant discussed this amusing banter and his first significant batting achievement in international cricket on the official X handle of the Gujarat Titans (GT).
What Ishant Sharma Said About Virat Kohli?
Reflecting on his half-century, Ishant said, “Oh, that is a special one. Scoring my first 50 against the West Indies. I was very relaxed. I think that was in Jamaica. I was very relaxed, talking to Virat, putting my feet up on the table. And he said, what are you going to do? I said, I’m going to bat. I said, I’m going to score runs. He was laughing and said, “Abbey Jaa Na“. Obviously, being a Delhi boy, we played together since childhood. Under 17s, we started playing together. And then he said, go man, just stand there and play the ball. (Hanuma) Vihari will score runs.”
Ishant recalled his partnership with Vihari, telling him to play his normal game and promising not to “throw his wicket”. He also mentioned feeling extremely tired and sweaty after batting for 60 balls, which was a new experience for him compared to his usual fast-paced bowling.
“Vihari and I were batting. And then he was asking, what should I do? I said, just keep on playing normal cricket. Do not worry, I would not throw my wicket. So, we built a partnership. And after 60 balls, I got tired. Then they (Indian captain etc) were saying, we are not going to declare. We want you to bat. And I am telling you guys, I never sweat that much. Even while bowling. How much I sweat after batting for 60 balls. So, it was a tough day for me after batting,” he added.
In that match, India was leading the series 1-0 and was playing the second Test to secure a series win. After the West Indies elected to field first, they had India at 202/5 at one point, despite half-centuries from Virat (76) and Mayank Agarwal (55). When India was 302/7, Ishant walked in and formed a 112-run stand with Vihari (111 in 225 balls, with 16 fours), scoring 57 in 80 balls himself, with seven fours. India reached 416 in their first innings and won the match by 257 runs, with Ishant also taking three wickets across both innings. After Ishant scored his fifty, Virat was seen laughing with immense joy and cheering for his close friend.
In 105 Tests for India, Ishant took 311 wickets at an average of 32.40, with best figures of 7/74, including 11 five-wicket hauls and a ten-fer. He is India’s sixth-highest Test wicket-taker ever and last played a Test match in November 2021 against New Zealand. The lanky pacer has played all three formats for India, taking 434 wickets in 199 matches at an average of 32.35, with best figures of 7/74. He is India’s tenth-highest wicket-taker in international cricket.
(With inputs from ANI)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin… Read More
Read More
