Ishant Sharma set to break Kapil Dev’s record

Ahead of the second Test against West Indies, India pacer Ishant Sharma is currently tied with the legendary all-rounder in an elite list.

Ishant Sharma celebrates a wicket in the first Test against West Indies in Antigua.

 

Right-arm fast bowler Ishant Sharma is one wicket away from breaking Kapil Dev’s record of most wickets by an Indian outside Asia. The 30-year-old — who returned with impressive figures of 5/43 and 3/41 in the first Test against West Indies — is currently sitting on 155 wickets; tied with Kapil in the elite list.

Former India leg-spinner Anil Kumble tops the list with 200 wickets in 50 Tests. Ishant will move up to the second spot leaving Kapil in the third place.

Most wickets by an Indian bowler outside Asia in Test cricket Anil Kumble: 200 wickets in 50 Tests Kapil Dev: 155 wickets in 45 Tests Ishant Sharma: 155 wickets in 45 Tests Zaheer Khan: 147 wickets in 38 Tests Bishan Singh Bedi: 123 wickets in 34 Tests

 

The Delhi speedster had earned an India call-up way early in his career. He was 18 when he played his first Test match, against Bangladesh, in 2007.

Ishant had the talent to live up to expectations. He played 91 Test matches claiming 275 wickets overall — comprising nine fifers — at an economy of 3.19.

The second Test starts in Jamaica on Friday.