As a teenager, Ishant was desperate to get admitted to a recognized school. He was studying in an unrecognized neighborhood school. His ticket to a better school was a neighbor named Manvinder Singh Banka, a former India under-19 cricketer. Ishant frequently visited Banka’s home and requested his help.
One morning, Banka took Ishant to Salwan Public School. Former Delhi Ranji player Bantoo Singh was the chief coach there. Bantoo watched Ishant bowl for an hour and was impressed. He took the case to the school principal. But the principal found his academics unimpressive.
On his way back with Banka, Ishant sat at a Delhi intersection and cried. He was inconsolable. He eventually got admitted to Ganga International School with help from coach Sharwan Kumar. The new school was 22 kilometers away from his home, unlike Salwan which was nearby.
Sharwan Kumar had coached at the famous Sonnet Cricket Club. He took Ishant under his wings. He noted that Ishant was tall and had speed, but his run-up was bad and he bowled many no-balls. Sharwan worked on his fitness and run-up. Ishant’s height and pace helped him quickly progress to the Delhi under-19 team and then to the Ranji Trophy squad.
Former India wicketkeeper Vijay Dahiya was playing his second last first-class game when Ishant made his Ranji debut. Dahiya recalled that Ishant was quick and got a lot of bounce, even on the dead Ferozeshah Kotla pitch. Ishant bowled long spells without complaining.
His Test debut came in May 2007, just six months after his Ranji debut. He had a shoulder injury but somehow escaped notice and played. His breakthrough came during the 2007-08 tour of Australia. He famously troubled Ricky Ponting, and his career took off.
Years later, after Ishant made his debut, Bantoo met the principal who had rejected him. She admitted they should have admitted him. Bantoo himself said he never thought Ishant would play for India, let alone play 100 Tests.
A Look at Ishant Sharma Diet
Ishant Sharma is mindful of what he eats, especially after seeing how fitness improved his game.
On tours, Ishant loves sushi. He is a big fan of Japanese food. At home, his favorite meal is his mother’s rajma chawal. He also used to love chole bhature but gave it up after becoming vegetarian two and a half years ago.
During the 2020 IPL, his teammate Harshal Patel introduced him to black coffee. Ishant now drinks it regularly and even researches different types of coffee online. His mother was surprised by the change. He told her he is lactose intolerant to avoid drinking tea with milk at home.
Ishant prefers eating light during IPL matches. He avoids a full stomach before playing because it makes him feel heavy. His post-workout snack is usually a protein shake. Sometimes he adds nuts, almond milk, and banana to it.
Virat Kohli set a fitness example for the Indian team. Ishant said Kohli changed the system. Before Kohli, fitness was not discussed much. Now it is a priority alongside skill. Ishant also noted that Navdeep Saini can eat anything without gaining weight.
Ishant enjoys cheesecakes at Lord’s cricket ground. He said players can eat such treats during matches because they burn it off. He can cook simple things like scrambled eggs and omelettes. During lockdown, he tried making healthy sweets with coconut milk and chocolate chips.
His wife is an athlete but loves to eat. She keeps an eye on her diet but cannot resist sweets when she visits Varanasi. Ishant has learned to enjoy food while staying disciplined. He believes proper nutrition helps him bowl long spells and stay fresh.
A Look at Ishant Sharma Cars
Ishant Sharma has built an impressive car collection over the years.
The Audi RS5 is the crown jewel of his collection. It is a high-performance sports sedan which combines power with luxury. He also owns an Audi S5 Sportback.
The Audi Q7 is a spacious and premium luxury SUV in his garage. He also owns an Audi RX5. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is considered the pinnacle of luxury sedans.
He also owns a Land Rover Range Rover, a top-tier British luxury SUV. His most humble and practical car is a Volkswagen Polo. It is valued between ₹10-15 lakh. He uses it as his daily driver.
A Look at Ishant Sharma Real Estate
Ishant Sharma has made significant real estate investments. He shares this house with his parents and wife.
The house is a four-storey independent building with a notable glass façade. The interiors blend traditional and modern design. It features a state-of-the-art gym and independent parking space.
Beyond his primary home, Sharma has invested in multiple real estate properties. His involvement in the sector is formalized through a company called ESTATEX INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED.
FAQs
Q. When was Ishant Sharma born?
A. Ishant Sharma was born on September 2, 1988.
Q. When did Ishant Sharma take his 300th Test wicket?
A. Ishant Sharma reached the milestone against England in February 2021.
Q. Which ICC title did Ishant Sharma win with India?
A. Ishant Sharma was part of India’s 2013 ICC Champions Trophy-winning team.
Q. Which national award has Ishant Sharma received?
A. Ishant Sharma received the Arjuna Award in 2020.
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