The Hindu : Sport : Ishant Sharma owes it to coach Sharvan

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Ishant Sharma owes it to coach Sharvan

Special Correspondent

— Photo: V.V. Krishnan

MENTOR AND WARD: Fast-bowling sensation Ishant Sharma with coach Sharvan Kumar.

NEW DELHI: Wiry but athletic, ambitious but realistic too; 6ft 4in, but very down to earth; Ishant Sharma is a phenomenon, the latest rage in cricket, and a nightmare for a batsman like Ricky Ponting.

The success in Australia has changed his life. “I have hardly had time to meet my friends and spend time with my family.” He is not complaining but just making a point as he pulls up his car at a quiet corner for us to talk. His coach, Sharvan Kumar, is, fittingly, in the navigator’s seat.

When Ishant first came to Sharvan three years ago, it was not for cricket. Manvinder Singh, a Railways cricketer, brought the 16-year-old with a request — he needed admission to a school where he could also pursue his cricket. Ganga International School was Sharvan’s choice. Two days of practice at the school, and three days at the Ramjas Sports and Mountaineering Institute ground in West Patel Nagar, some hard work under scorching sun for months, and Ishant was on the right track.

“Sir, please mention Manvinder gave me the first break,” says Ishant at the outset. A good sign that he has not forgotten to remember his well-wishers. “I owe Sharvan Sir all my cricket,” Ishant quickly adds.

Eventful journey

It has been an eventful journey for Ishant from the time he came under Sharvan’s guidance. “He was tall and looked sharp, had a good action. He was wayward but he showed the spark,” says Sharvan of his first meeting with the talented fast bowler.

Natural high arm action, a natural instinct to bowl in-swing, not the best run up but “fantastic” release of the ball. For Sharvan, this gangling speedster is the best advertisement of raw talent. “This is just the beginning. I expect him to develop into a meaner and craftier bowler.”

“His confidence was stunning,” recalls Sharvan. Within six months of regular practice, Ishant was bowling for Delhi under-17, claiming 14 wickets in a match against Haryana. He was picked for under-19 too and played a game of North Zone one-day league for the senior side.

Last season was a landmark leap for this 19-year-old. He bowled for Delhi, tirelessly in the matches, in the ‘nets’, and bowled long spells for the under-19 squad too. He was picked for the under-22 team but mercifully spared, following a request from his coach. Ishant’s progress was rapid.

“I am glad he is learning fast. There is encouragement at every step. His overall game has matured,” gushes Sharvan. That he is a good learner is established. Ishant has worked hard on his run up, pace, line and length. He is not aiming to improve by bowling close to the stumps.

“It is tough,” confesses Ishant. “I want to become a complete fast bowler. I always concentrate on line and length, variations without compromising on pace. I know speed is my strength.”

Reflecting on the Australian tour, Ishant is candid, “I was told it would be very tough. I had made a promise to myself that I would make the most of it. I had to learn on and off the field and there was no place for any distractions. I was not going to allow my cricket to be dominated.” Ishant gets an affectionate pat from Sharvan.

Sharing the dressing room with senior players was a blessing. “I was amazed by their hunger and self-belief to succeed. That was the best lesson I learnt on the Australian tour.”

Ishant remembers his coach and family at every peak that he scales. “I know the value of my coach and my family. I know I can bank on them always. If they push me, it is for my benefit. I know it is just the beginning,” says Ishant, giving ample insight into his maturity.

He is reminded of the importance of education. “No compromise on pace, no compromise on education either. Have extra classes but study,” warns Sharvan. There is another gem too. “Be game fit, not gym fit.” Which means an hour of intense training daily.

On the stardom, he blushes, “I am enjoying it. It can get taxing at times when my privacy is invaded. But I know people wish me well,” he smiles, obliging a kid, who is gasping, having chased the car almost a kilometre for his hero’s autograph.

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