Ishant Sharma, the Indian veteran fast bowler who boasts a career tally of 105 Test matches, shared that during the early days of his cricketing journey, Zaheer Khan’s influence on him was truly substantial.
Zaheer Khan, an influential figure in Indian cricket history, stands known as one of the finest fast bowlers the country has ever produced. His spectacular career comprises 92 Test matches where he skillfully got 311 wickets, and in ODIs, he clinched 282 wickets from 200 matches. A vital participant in India’s historic 2011 ODI World Cup campaign, Zaheer’s impact resonates throughout International and domestic cricket venues.
Ishant Sharma, with 105 Test matches under his belt, gives a big chunk of his growth to Zaheer Khan. During his formative years, Ishant had problems, until the invaluable assistance of the seasoned 44-year-old transformed his perspective. The suggestion to hold the ball with just the tip of two fingers revolutionized Ishant’s bowling approach, a development that led to his score of 311 Test wickets – replicating Zaheer’s own count. Ishant heartily appreciates the veteran cricketer, touching upon Zaheer’s mastery of the art of reverse swing.
“Zak (Zaheer Khan) pa (influenced my game the most). I used to go and chew his ears off. When I didn’t play on the England tour after my debut, I held the ball very tightly. So, I kept bowling a little shorter than I needed to. That’s where he made me change my grip. ‘Use the tip of the two fingers and hold it loose because you have big hands and the ball will go farther and faster automatically’, he suggested.
“In 2007, I saw the incident between Zak pa and Kevin Pietersen in Nottingham and how Zak pa made his fingers dance. The way he used to hide his reverse swing while running in to bowl was impressive,” Ishant Sharma said in his interview on JioCinema.
At present, Ishant finds himself not in the running for a spot in the Indian Test team. He’s actively connected with the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League and continues to passionately represent Delhi in domestic cricket tournaments. On a side note, Zaheer Khan has taken up the post of Global Head of Cricket Development for the Mumbai Indians, contributing greatly to their growth and progress.
