Ishant Sharma Birthday Special: Celebrating India Player As Lanky Fast Bowler Turns 38
Indian fast bowler Ishant Sharma celebrates his 38th birthday on September 2, 2026. Discover the career highlights, key stats, and significant achievements of India's 'Lambu' pacer, including his 300+ Test wickets and Arjuna Award, showcasing his enduring legacy in international cricket.
Ishant Sharma, the lanky fast bowler affectionately known as 'Lambu' by fans and teammates, celebrates his 38th birthday today, September 2, 2026. Born in Delhi on September 2, 1988, Sharma has carved out a remarkable career, primarily as a Test specialist, known for his ability to generate steep bounce and consistent movement off the seam thanks to his 6-foot-4-inch frame. His journey in international cricket, which began at a young age, has seen him overcome challenges to become one of India's most respected pace bowlers.Ā Cricket at Asian Games 2026: Teams Free to Book Own Accommodation, Confirms Japan Cricket Association.
A Test Cricket Stalwart
Ishant Sharma made his Test debut in May 2007 and quickly established himself as a prominent figure in India's bowling attack. Over a long and illustrious career, he became only the third Indian fast bowler, after Kapil Dev and Zaheer Khan, to breach the 300-wicket mark in Test cricket. His perseverance and dedication to the longest format of the game were evident in his ability to adapt his bowling, becoming particularly lethal in overseas conditions in the latter half of his career.
One of his career-defining performances came at Lord's in July 2014, where his spell of short-pitched bowling yielded career-best figures of 7 for 74 in the second innings, securing a historic Test victory for India in England after 28 years. He also famously troubled former Australian captain Ricky Ponting during the 2007-08 Test series in Australia. Later, in the 2008 Test series against Australia in India, he earned the 'Man of the Series' award for his 16 wickets.Ā India Squad for Afghanistan T20I Series Announced, Jasprit Bumrah and Sanju Samson Return.
Career Snapshot
Hereās a look at Ishant Sharma's international and IPL career statistics:
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Average | 5-Wicket Hauls (Tests) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 105 | 311 | 7/74 | 32.40 | 11 |
| ODIs | 80 | 115 | 4/34 | 30.98 | 0 |
| T20Is | 14 | 8 | 2/34 | 50.00 | 0 |
| IPL | 117 | 97 | 5/12 | 35.18 | N/A |
Note: Test matches also include one half-century, scoring 57 against West Indies.
Honours and Achievements
Ishant Sharma's contributions to Indian cricket have been well-recognised. In 2020, he was honoured with the prestigious Arjuna Award by the Indian government for his outstanding achievements. He was also a vital member of the Indian squad that triumphed in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. His ability to consistently bowl at speeds exceeding 150 km/h in his prime made him one of India's fastest bowlers.
As Ishant Sharma celebrates his 38th birthday, his career stands as a testament to durability, skill, and unwavering commitment to Indian cricket, particularly in the Test arena. His legacy will continue to inspire aspiring fast bowlers, reminding them of the rewards that come with hard work and resilience.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 02, 2026 09:40 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
