India vs England 2021: “He was fast asleep when he got his first call-up” – Virat Kohli recalls playing state cricket with Ishant Sharma

India vs England 2021: “He was fast asleep when he got his first call-up” – Virat Kohli recalls playing state cricket with Ishant Sharma
Ishant Ashwin
Ishant Sharma celebrates a wicket

Ishant Sharma will play in his 100th test for India if he takes the field for the third test against England. The lanky pacer has been one of the most vital cogs of India’s pace bowling wheel for over a decade now. After a slump that he suffered mid-career, hopes of continuing to play for the national team seemed lost but the Delhi cricketer came roaring back to form and has now become the leader of the Indian pace attack along with Jasprit Bumrah.

It is noteworthy that no specialist fast bowler from India has ever played 100 tests for India. Ishant’s achievement is hence, no small feat. In the 99 tests that he has played, Ishant has scalped a healthy amount of 302 wickets which is a more than decent haul considering the fact that pitches in India favor spin over pace. The 32-year-old has also played in 80 ODIs and 14 T20Is for India, picking up 123 wickets in them.

Virat Kohli speaks on Ishant Sharma

Ishant Sharma
Ishant Sharma

Virat Kohli addressed a virtual press conference ahead of the third test and spoke about Ishant’s feat of playing 100 tests. He said, “Ishant started playing state cricket with me. We used to be roommates for a long time for state cricket, Ranji cricket. When he got selected for India, he was fast asleep in the afternoon and I had to kick him and wake him up to give him the news. That’s how far we go. We have great trust between us. I’ve been very happy to see him enjoy his bowling over the years.”

He then talked of what a great achievement playing 100 tests for India as a fast bowler was. “Great achievement in modern-day cricket to maintain your body like he has and play 100 Tests, it is rare especially among fast bowlers,” Kohli said.

The third test in Ahmedabad begins tomorrow and will be a day/night test.

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