IPL 2019 | Feel very proud to represent my home team after 12 years, says Ishant Sharma

03/15/2019

Ishant Sharma has revealed that the prospect on playing at his boyhood stadium, Delhi's Feroz Shah Kotla, is a very proud moment for him. Having previously played for Kolkata Knight Riders, Deccan Chargers, Kings XI Punjab and Sunrisers Hyderabad, Sharma was picked up by Delhi Capitals this year.

Standing at 6'4", Ishant Sharma, has been in and out of the Indian cricket team ever since he made his debut back in May 2007 against Bangladesh in Dhaka. Since then, the towering fast-bowler has endured his ups and downs with the national but has seemed to cement his spot in the Indian Test team. Sharma featured in the series loss against England last year and was part of the team that won the Test series against Australia in December.

Now, Sharma will take his talent to his hometown of Delhi after being picked up by the Delhi Capitals management team for the 2019 season of the Indian Premier League. In a recent video post on Instagram, Sharma revealed that it was always a special moment for him to return to the iconic Feroz Shah Kotla stadium from where his journey began.

“For me, Kotla is much more than a ground. Right from the under-17 level, I have played all my matches here. I have so many memories from this stadium. Not only for me, but for all those who represent Delhi, Kotla is a sweet memory for them because this is where it all starts. It is from here that we went ahead to represent our country,” Ishant said in the video.

The 30-year-old pacer was bought by Delhi Capitals for Rs 1.10 crore during the auctions in Jaipur earlier this year. Sharma has previously represented the likes of Deccan Chargers, Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rising Pune Supergiant, and Sunrisers Hyderabad. He has a tally of 58 wickets from 76 IPL games.

“I have got this opportunity after 12 years to represent my home team and I feel very proud. I will try to deliver my best and I hope we win the trophy this year,” Sharma added.

Delhi Capitals will start their IPL campaign against three-time champions Mumbai Indians on March 24 at the Wankhede Stadium.