Ishant Sharma Exclusive: Still Going Strong, Determined for Best - India Pacer on Aspirations, Vigor, Virat Kohli and More

Not many Indian cricketers have reached 100 Test matches for the national team. And when it comes to pacers, there are only two names, the great Kapil Dev and a certain lanky man from Delhi, Ishant Sharma.

Ishant, who started his career in 2007 as a teenager, has grown along with the game over the years. Through the expeditious upsurge of Indian cricket, Ishant has remained a central part and has made his name as one of India's greats. With 105 Test matches and 311 Test wickets to his name, his journey through the chapters of Indian cricket has been eventful.

And now at the age of 36 years, the veteran Ishant Sharma is still going strong. The India bowler joined the Pace Lab programme under English coach Steffan Jones in Bengaluru's Invictus Performance Lab, and MyKhel had a chance to talk with him for an exclusive interview.

Ishant spoke about an array of things, ranging from his personal journey and the way he has benefitted with Steffan Jones as his coach. Also, the player spoke about his upcoming focus and of course, a bit of Virat Kohli as well.

Steffan Jones' Role and reason for joining Pace Lab

Ishant has been training with Steffan Jones for the last six years, who was also part of the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. The player believes the Englishman has the methods which can elongate the career of a pacer with his methodical training programme.

"I have been training with him for the last six years, since 2018. Since then I really like his method. I think there are a lot of boundaries that have been set up for being a fast bowler in India. So, he breaks those kinds of boundaries. So, since then whenever he comes to India, I try and work with him. He has been helping me. I feel the last 2 years have been very good for me even in the IPL domestic season. I have been playing the whole domestic season. Fitness was the main important role for me. I think that's why I chose to be with Steffan and his training methods."

"I think you should see his training level first. And then only you can decide. I'm sure it all depends on the individual, what they like, what they don't like. Obviously, there are individuals, you know, they have to work what BCCI says or even their state associations say. But at the same time, if you have a little bit, just see and go and check what Stefan does. I think it will be very helpful for you guys because he helps you take out those boundaries where, you know, you're just limiting for a long time."

The Delhi Premier League Experience

Ishant was part of the inaugural Delhi Premier League but didn't play a single match. When asked if he was injured, the player clarified that it was rather not enough preparation which hindered him from donning the jersey of his team. But the player was ecstatic with the way things panned out in the inaugural season of the tournament.

"I wasn't injured. Actually, I was not prepared enough to play in the DPL. I always feel if you are not ready, then you shouldn't be playing. After IPL, I didn't have much chance to prepare myself. There was a little bit of niggle. So, it takes bit of a time. But overall, I think that's a great experience. And I've been a part of Delhi, Purani Dilli 6. And great experience, great for the youngsters. There's a lot of exposure for the uncapped players."

IPL 2025 is not in mind now: Ishant

The player had a decent outing with Delhi Capitals last season. When asked about if he has got any message from the Capitals, the player denies any communications and asserts that he is only focusing on the things that are in his hands.

"What I'm doing is whatever is in my hand, I'm doing that. I'm not thinking about which team I will go in or whatever will happen, will happen. I'm not thinking about auction or IPL or anything."

On Domestic Involvement

Ishant also confirmes that he will be playing limited-overs cricket for Delhi this season, which is a massive boost for them.

"I'm going to play domestic cricket, just white ball. I'm not going to play red ball cricket. So, I will be available for Syed Mushtaq and Vijay Hazare Trophy."

The Passion for the Game

The India pacer was drenched in sweat as he kept on doing different drills at the training centre in Bengaluru. He pushed himself to the limit, continued working extremely hard with different strength training methods under the guidance of Steffan Jones. When asked about the reason behind his rejuvenated motivation, the player says it's simply the passion for the game and believes he has years left in him especially in limited overs.

"I think the passion for the game. Passion. Till the time you're not done, you're not done. I feel I still have few more years in me while bowling, especially in a white ball cricket. So, why not give it a go? So, I'm just trying my level best and you never know what happens in future. So till the time your body is fit and you think there's a chance of improvement, you should go and do it. So, that's what I'm doing it because there's a love for the game. And till the time you're loving the game, loving whatever you do, I think you keep on doing it. The love of the game is the most important thing for me."

Has Test Cricket and First-Class Cricket taken a backseat?

"I won't say Test cricket has taken a backseat. Because if you say all the top players, they want to play Test cricket and the priority is Test cricket. Yes, there's a lot of money in IPL, that's temptation. But as a sports person, if you want to play Test cricket, then you'll be recognized all over the world. If you do well in Australia, if you do well in England, if you do well in the subcontinent.

Because there's always a different kind of opportunities, different conditions. So, if you do well in test cricket, I think there's a lot of, you know, people will recognize you. You being a great test bowler or a great test batsman."

Indian Team Aspirations

With over 100 Test matches for India, Ishant Sharma says he is still enjoying cricket and doesn't want to focus on a possible India return. The player is determined to continue till he can and wants to improve on a daily basis.

"I'm not thinking about that anymore. I'm just playing cricket. As long as I'm playing cricket, things will fall apart by itself. As soon as you have a goal in mind like you want to make a comeback or this or that, I think you restrict yourself. Till the time I'm loving the game, till the time my body is fine, I can work hard to improve even a little bit every single day."

Relationship with Virat Kohli and Has Kohli changed?

They both share a magnificent bond which is evident on the field. Although a few Indian ex-players have questioned Virat Kohli's approachability, Ishant nullifies all the doubts.

"I don't know whoever said that he [Virat Kohli] has changed. But with me, the kind of relationship we share, he never changed for me. We've been playing together since U-17, so, you know, we are 36 now, I think he'll be 36 soon. So, we've been playing together for, I don't know, for even, you know, more than 10 years, 15 years. So, he hasn't changed for me. I can pick up my phone, call him anytime, he calls me anytime. So, I think, obviously, if you're a captain, there are certain responsibilities that come. You don't have to see him as a captain, you have to see him as an individual.

"So, if he's a captain, he has to look after 15 players. So, he can't only focus on one player who's not playing. So, I think maybe that's why people have mistaken him that he has changed. But when he was captain, whenever I was not playing, I could go to his room and talk about why I'm not playing, even why I'm playing, we strategized. So, I think it's all about communication. I had a very good communication level with him because I know that he's my friend at the same time, you know, been playing for so long. So, he hasn't changed for me."