An ‘out-of-favour’ India fast bowler Ishant Sharma has opened up about the senior cricketers who shaped his career, naming Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan and Ms Dona as his biggest sources of support across different stages of his journey.

Favourite seniors of Ishant Sharma

Gautam Gambhir’s backing in the early days of career

Recalling his Ranji Trophy days, Ishant revealed that it was Gambhir who stood by him the most.

“When I was playing Ranji Trophy, Gautam Gambhir supported me the most. Then came Virender Sehwag,” Ishant told commentator Padamjeet sehrawat on his YouTube channel, stressing how crucial such mentorship was for a youngster trying to break into competitive cricket.

Sehwag’s relaxed approach

During his early tours with the Indian team, Ishant admitted feeling overwhelmed by the big names in the dressing room. On tours to Australia and South Africa, Sehwag helped him settle in. “I approached Sehwag, and he simply said, ‘What are you tense about? Let’s go.’ He’s the kind of senior every player should have—supportive and ready to back those he believes in,” Ishant recalled.

Zaheer Khan’s tactical wisdom

Once established in the side, Ishant turned to Zaheer Khan for lessons in the art of fast bowling. The veteran left-arm seamer guided him on bowling strategies, reading match situations, and honing his skills.

MS Dhoni: The dressing room charger

Ishant also praised Dhoni’s exceptional man-management, recalling how the captain could instantly lift his mood. “He knew when I was angry, nervous, or doubtful. Just one sentence from him could fire me up. He was my charger,” Ishant said.

From Gambhir’s trust during domestic cricket to Dhoni’s motivational spark at the international level, Ishant credited his seniors for shaping not just his cricketing abilities but also his confidence to perform at the highest stage.

International career statistics summary of Ishant Sharma

Test Matches:

• Matches Played: 105
• Innings Bowled: 188
• Wickets Taken: 311
• Bowling Average: 32.41
• Economy Rate: 3.16
• Strike Rate: 61.61
• Best Bowling in an Innings: 7/74
• Five-Wicket Hauls: 11
• Ten-Wicket Matches: 1
• Runs Scored: 785
• Batting Average: 8.26
• Highest Score: 57

One Day Internationals (ODIs):

• Matches Played: 80
• Wickets Taken: 115
• Bowling Average: 30.97
• Economy Rate: 5.73
• Strike Rate: 32.46
• Best Bowling: 4/34

Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is):

• Matches Played: 14
• Wickets Taken: 8
• Bowling Average: 50.0
• Economy Rate: 8.63
• Strike Rate: 34.75