'I have given all that up' - Ishant Sharma discloses the sacrifices he made to stay fit

India had got many fast bowlers in its history and Ishant Sharma is one of those who has become a regular face of Test squad. He made his debut for India back in 2007 from the longest format and then featured in the limited over squad, but remained in and out due to his inconsistency.

Currently, he is featuring in the squad playing a three-match Test series against South Africa. In recent years he has turned himself into lead pace bowler of India in Tests. However, he went through a rough patch, where he had no control over his seam and wrist position but now he has bounced back and looked a better bowler. Now, he has taken the responsibility of leading India’s pace attack.

The tall height pacer burst onto the stage in Australia in 2008, where he showed some glimpses of his potential in the fiery and memorable spell he bowled to Ricky Ponting in Perth. In a recent interview, he came out with an insight that has helped in regaining his pace, control, and performance for Team India.

Ishant Sharma revealed the secret behind his good performances

In an interview given to ESPN Cricinfo’s Cricket Monthly by Ishant, he feels it is his sheer hard work and changed diet that helped him, “I have cut down on a lot of things. For example, straight after returning from the Caribbean recently, I had the opportunity to relax for a week or ten days before resuming training. Earlier after returning from any tour, I would take it easy for a while, but this time I did not do that. The jet-lag was there, but I have become disciplined with my lifestyle. Yes, I want to spend time with my family, but my wife works, my parents have their own schedule.”

“So instead of just staying home, doing nothing, I went running for a bit, I went to the gym. Because for a fast bowler his body is everything. Also, I have cut down a lot on what I eat. I have cut down on sugar completely. I come from a Brahmin family. For my parents, if you are not eating sweets, you are not a Brahmin! At least twice a month my mom makes aloo ki kachori, which is deep-fried. It is very tempting, but I do not eat.”

“She (mother) will make kheer, but I will not eat. My parents complain I don’t eat what they want me to. They think you need to eat ghee, drink milk, eat parathas with ghee to get strong. But I have given all that up. Earlier after returning from any tour, I would take it easy for a while, but this time I did not do that. The jet-lag was there, but I have become disciplined with my lifestyle. Yes, I want to spend time with my family, but my wife works, my parents have their own schedule.”

Ishant also told that the things started changing for him after he was appointed as the captain of Delhi team that had added responsibilities on his shoulder, “Delhi made me the captain. After that, things started changing. I had added responsibilities. I began to feel like I am the only one who can take wickets and who can win games for Delhi. Since then I have been playing with the same kind of mindset. I just want to take wickets. As long as wickets are coming, I am happy. I know what I am doing and why. I keep things very simple. Why I am here in the team.”

He has played 92 Tests, 80 ODIs and 37 T20Is for India and has successfully grabbed more than 400 international wickets in his career.