Virat Kohli pays tribute to Ishant Sharma as India bowler prepares to play 100th Test in third match against England
Virat Kohli has paid tribute to Ishant Sharma as the India fast bowler prepares to play his 100th Test in the third match against England.
Sharma has taken 302 wickets in 99 Test matches since making his red-ball debut for India in 2007 alongside the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble.
The 32-year-old became just the third Indian seamer to reach 300 Test scalps in the first Test of the England series, which is poised at 1-1 heading into the third Test, a day-night match in Ahmedabad.
Sharma will become only the tenth Indian to reach 100 Test caps and captain Kohli insists he ‘could not be happier’ for his close friend and team-mate.
‘I’ve know Ishant for a long time now,’ Kohli said. ‘He started playing state cricket with me and we were room-mates for many years.
‘When he first got selected for India, he was fast asleep and I had to kick him off the bed to tell him he was picked, and he didn’t believe me. That’s how far we go back.
‘I couldn’t be happier for him to get to 100 Tests. As a fast bowler it’s no mean feat, especially playing in our conditions.
‘He persevered, kept working hard and he’s been like that from day one. I was most excited to work with him and bring the best out of him [when becoming India captain].
‘It clicked immediately because we know each other inside and out. It’s worked really well for both of us.
‘I’ve just been very happy to see him enjoy his bowling in the last four or five years and become that stalwart of our bowling group. I couldn’t be happier for him.
‘I’m excited that I’ll be present when he plays his 100th game. To see him smile and run into bowl will be great to watch for a dear friend of mine.’
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