Andre Russell was in a murderous mood in Visakhapatnam last week as Kolkata Knight Riders threatened to break Sunrisers Hyderabad’s record for the highest IPL total (277).
But Ishant Sharma’s toe-crushing yorker of bewildering precision shattered the Jamaican’s stumps, sending out a silent message of his craft and finesse.
At 144kmph, the ball landed on the base of the middle and leg stump, seamed a bit and Russell’s desperate attempt to scrap it out proved futile. He lost his balance and lay on the pitch trying to fathom how he missed the delivery.
The West Indies all-rounder scampered away but not before applauding Ishant for retaining his skill and accuracy. The Delhi Capitals fast bowler may be 35 but he still has it in him to leave the best in the business in a daze.
At a time several of his contemporaries are either busy coaching or savouring a relaxed life, Ishant retains the aura to command respect in his 17th year in the tournament.
He began this season with 1/16 off two overs against Punjab Kings before being forced to retire with an ankle injury, and has now played four out of their five matches.
“The more you practice the more you will be able to execute the yorker in a pressure situation. So I practised a lot, trained a lot and that’s why I think I could execute that yorker perfectly,” he said, decoding the magical delivery which will compete among the best balls of IPL 2024.
Only a similar impeccable delivery from Jasprit Bumrah to knock out Prithvi Shaw’s leg stump at the Wankhede last Sunday comes close.
Ishant’s hard work hasn’t been just limited to the IPL. He has regularly featured for Delhi in the domestic circuit. While youngsters have earned the BCCI’s wrath for their lack of commitment to the white and red-ball tournaments, Ishant has remained dedicated.
He was a regular in the white-ball format with the Delhi squad and played a couple of Ranji Trophy matches too.
“He’s always disciplined with good work ethics,” said Delhi coach Devang Gandhi, who worked closely with Ishant last season. “His contribution was immense and he was always open to suggestions. Be it at a match or practice, he always turned up with a purpose to excel and contribute.”
Such traits have often led to his success. “He is extremely motivated at any level of cricket and can work relentlessly to improve his fitness,” said Devang.
No surprise that he still commands a good price tag at the auction.