On Monday, Indian skipper Virat Kohli praised Ishant Sharma’s dedication towards Test cricket, saying that the Ishant could have easily prioritised White-ball cricket to extend his career but instead he chose to focus on the longest format.
Ishant is all set to turn out to be just the second Indian pacer after the legendary Kapil Dev to play in 100 Tests when he takes the field in the Day-Night third match against England on Wednesday.
Kohli said at the pre-match conference, “it’s a huge achievement in modern day cricket. To maintain your body and play 100 Tests, it’s rare to see a pacer have such longevity these days. He could’ve prioritised white-ball cricket but full credit to him that didn’t.”
Kohli added, “A lot of people even lose their motivation. He has the skills, if he wanted he could have improved his four over, 10 over cricket and played in the IPL regularly, or presented himself in T20 and ODIs. But he gave his full dedication to Test Cricket.”
I have known Ishant for along time now. He began playing state cricket with me. From his first season onwards, we’ve been roommates for many years in state cricket and Ranji Trophy cricket.
“At the point when he got chosen for India, he as sleeping in the afternoon and I had to kick him off the bed to say that you have been chosen and he wouldn’t trust me. So, that’s how far we go back.”
“I couldn’t be happier for him, to play in 100 Test matches as a fast bowler is no mean feat. And specially playing in our circumstances where things can get so difficult. But he preserved. He kept working hard.”
Kohli said, “I was most excited to work with him and really bring the best out of him as a fast bowler. And something clicked immediately because he knew my mindset, he even knows me inside out and there is a big trust factor.”
“I also know him inside out, I know he is going to answer to advice if he knows I am going to listen his plans as well. It has worked really well for both of us, not just for him as a fast bowler, but for me as a captain.”
Kohli added, “I have just been very, very happy to see him really enjoy his bowling in the last four or five years and really become that valiant of the Indian fast bowling group.”
