Ishant Sharma become the sixth Indian bowler, but only third among fast bowlers, after Kapil Dev and Zaheer Khan to achieve the feat of 300 test wickets for India. Besides, Ishant also became the the fourth India pacer to complete 100 Test wickets on home soil during the first innings. Kapil (219), Javagal Srinath (108) and Zaheer (104) are the other players to achieve the feat. Having played 98 tests, the lanky pacer is much improved bowler since making his debut against Bangladesh in 2007. The upcoming India vs England Test series holds plenty of significance for Ishant Sharma.
The fast bowler last played for India in February of last year in a Test match against New Zealand, before cricket was brought to a halt. Later, he injured himself during the middle of the IPL 2020, which led to him missing the tour of Australia. However, ever since, Ishant has undergone intense rehab at the NCA in Bengaluru before finally being declared fit for the England Tests. In absence of the experienced Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav, onus will be on Ishant to shoulder India's fast bowling responsibilities along with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur. In 2011, he became the fifth youngest player to take 100 Test wickets. Against South Africa in 2013.
