Outside Edge with Jo

In 2007, when Ishant Sharma made his Test debut for India, only four fast bowlers from India had crossed the 100-wicket mark. If you speak to your parents, they will tell you how India yearned and yearned for a world class bowling attack. People born in the 90s will remember how Srinath often found himself all alone with now other bowler to back him. Prasad did well but there weren't enough good bowlers to account for bad days. Agarkar came in and took everyone by storm and then the likes of Zaheer, Nehra et al signaled towards something BIG going on with Indian pace factory. India's recent down under conquest with the historic Gabba win was a product of decades of efforts put into building a culture of quality fast bowling.

Ishant arrived to the scene a little over a decade ago and at just 19 in 2008, Ishant was bowling to GOATs from the undisputed and unchallenged at home Aussies side with star batsmen right down to the middle order.

Long hair, lanky build, and a baby-faced Ishant never looked like he could trouble the well-settled experienced and at-home Aussie batters. Forget teasing someone like Ponting. What followed is history. Ricky Ponting, a legend in his own rights of course, is remembered as Ishant's bunny.

Beyond that, Ishant Sharma lost his way in the middle. His average shot up and wickets were hard to come by. His Lord's antics were a revival story, or maybe the seeds for it. Then, over the past few years, Ishant emerged as the most reliable strike bowler in India's impressive bowling attack.

Ishant's vast experience along with his hard work has turned him into one of the most effective pacers in world cricket today. Congratulations big guy, wish you countless years of fitness and success!