5 Times when Indian youngsters surprised the opposition

Cricket is a game full of surprises. One never knows what is going to happen out there on the field. Strong contenders lose, underdogs win; it is all a part and parcel of the game. The best instances are of England’s defeat at the 2011 and 2015 World Cup from Ireland and Bangladesh respectively.

Young energy plays an important role in the game. Experience has its own role to play but youngsters carry the team forward. Young energy is a feat most teams are struggling with these days. Over-reliance on veterans in the past have left them with inexperienced youngsters and a lot of struggle at the global level.

India as a cricketing nation has always backed up its youngsters. The next generation of players is ready before the existing generation is exhausted. The Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) through its various programs has made sure that the young energy gets enough international exposure and the right amount of guidance from the veterans before the responsibilities actually fall its shoulders. Over the years, Indian youngsters have given many brilliant performances.

Here, we bring you five such instances where Indian youngsters took matters in their own hands and surprised the opposition: –

1. Ishant Sharma against Australia, 2008

The Australian team came to India to play a total of 4 test matches. The series was kind of an important one as India lost 2-1 to Australia last time they went down under. Indians were filled with a sense of revenge and wanted to give it back to Australia. A 20-year-old Ishant Sharma was selected to be a part of the Indian squad.

The first test match took place at Bengaluru. Having won the toss, Australia decided to bat first in what looked like a beautiful batting track. Australia put up a massive total of 430 in the first innings; centuries coming from the bat of Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey. Ishant Sharma managed to pick up 4 wickets in that innings.

His scalps included Simon Katich, Shane Watson, Brad Haddin, and Cameron White. India countered and scored 360 runs. The match eventually ended in a draw credit to gritty knocks from Tendulkar, Dravid, and Ganguly. Ishant Sharma ended up picking 7 wickets in the game. Zaheer Khan was awarded the man of the match for his 6 wickets in the game and a fifty in the first innings.

India won the 4-match series 2-0. Ishant Sharma, with 15 wickets throughout the series was the highest wicket-taker. He was awarded the Man of the Series Trophy for his brilliant bowling. Sharma’s performance in the series took everyone back into January 2008 when he bowled an iconic spell to Ricky Ponting at the WACA and troubled him throughout the series.