"Called My Girlfriend And Cried": Ishant Sharma After James Faulkner Hit Him For 30 Runs

Senior bowler Ishant Sharma is a part of the core unit of Indian bowling. He has not been a regular for India in the recent time but proved out to be handy in the longest format. However, a like every cricketer, Ishant Sharma also had his rough patch. One of these came when Australia all-rounder James Faulkner pummeled him for 30 runs in one over.

The incident took place in Mogali, 2013 when Ishant was smashed for 30 runs in the 48th over as won the match by four wickets to spare. Faulkner was unbeaten on 64 runs off 29 balls in the match. Recalling the incident, Ishant Sharma said that it was one of the turning point in his life.

Ishant also felt that he had betrayed his country and did not speak to anyone for more than two-three months. He also added that he is a very tough guy but at that point in his life, he called his girlfriend and cried on the phone like a child. He also termed that phase in his life as a nightmare.

“The turning point of my life came in 2013. Faulkner hit me for 30 runs in one over in an ODI in Mohali that Australia went on to win,” Ishant told ESPNcricinfo. “At that time I felt I had betrayed myself and my country. For two-three weeks, I didn’t speak to anyone. I cried a lot. I am a very tough guy. My mother says she hasn’t seen a tougher person than me.

“I called my girlfriend and cried on the phone like a child. Those three weeks were like a nightmare. I stopped eating. I couldn’t sleep or do anything else. You switch on the television and people are criticising you, which messes you up even more.

“I laugh about it now and I consider it a blessing in disguise. Sometimes you need a jolt to understand your passion. After the Faulkner incident, I went through major changes in my life. After 2013, I started taking things seriously. Before that, if I had a bad performance, people would come and tell me ‘It’s okay, it happens.’ But after 2013, if someone came to me and said that, I wouldn’t listen. If I have made a mistake, I have made a mistake. I started taking responsibility for my actions. When you do that, you play every match to win it for the team.”

At times in the present, Ishant has also spearheaded the Test bowling unit. He will alos be crucial for the team during their tour Down Under. Incidentally, he is also nearing his 300th Test wicket.

Ishant has picked up 297 wickets in the longest format at an average of 32.39. He has 11 five-wicket hauls to his name.