No matter is in my hand, I am doing that

Ishant Sharma, the towering fast bowler known for his stellar Test career, is preparing for what may be his final few years in professional cricket. With over 100 Test matches under his belt, the veteran of Indian cricket continues to work hard, but his future with the Delhi Capitals in the IPL remains uncertain as the 2025 mega auction looms. Despite his impressive contributions, Sharma is focused solely on what he can control, rather than worrying about the uncertainties of IPL team selections.

Focus on what’s within control for Ishant Sharma

Ishant Sharma, a mainstay of Indian cricket for over 15 years, has taken a measured approach towards his future in the game. After a solid season with Delhi Capitals in the 2023 IPL, where he played a crucial role in several matches, Sharma remains uncertain about his place in the squad for the 2025 season. When asked about any communication from the Delhi Capitals regarding the upcoming auction, Sharma was candid.

“Whatever is in my hand, I’m doing that,” Ishant Sharma told MyKhel. “I’m not thinking about which team I will go in or what will happen. I’m not thinking about the auction or IPL right now.”

This statement underlines Sharma’s current mindset—he is focusing on maintaining his fitness and form, rather than being distracted by the uncertainty surrounding his team selection for future IPL seasons.

Training with Steffan Jones

A key part of Sharma’s preparation involves working with renowned coach Steffan Jones at the Pace Lab in Bengaluru. Jones, who was associated with Rajasthan Royals, has been guiding Sharma through specialised training methods that aim to extend the careers of fast bowlers. For Sharma, who is now 36, staying fit and competitive is a priority.

“I’ve been training with Steffan Jones since 2018. He breaks the boundaries that limit fast bowlers, and his methods have been instrumental in helping me stay fit and perform consistently, especially in IPL and domestic cricket,” Sharma explained.

Looking Beyond IPL 2025 Auction

While the 2025 IPL mega auction is not on Sharma’s mind, he has made it clear that he still has the passion and desire to play cricket, particularly in limited-overs formats. Sharma has confirmed that he will be playing white-ball domestic cricket for Delhi this season, participating in both the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

“I’m going to play domestic cricket, just white ball. I won’t be playing red-ball cricket, but I will be fully available for the limited-overs tournaments,” he said.

This decision suggests that Sharma is still committed to the game, particularly in formats that suit his current fitness levels, and he is not yet ready to walk away from competitive cricket.

Passion for the Game

Despite his illustrious career, Sharma continues to be driven by his love for the game. During his recent training sessions, Sharma pushed himself to the limit, working tirelessly to improve his fitness and bowling.

“I think the passion for the game keeps me going. Till the time you’re not done, you’re not done. I feel I still have a few more years in me, especially in white-ball cricket. So why not give it a go?” Sharma remarked.

For him, it’s about taking it one day at a time and focusing on the things within his control—like fitness, training, and performance—rather than setting long-term goals or worrying about a potential IPL comeback.

Test Cricket Still Close to His Heart

Although Ishant Sharma has shifted his focus to white-ball formats, he remains a firm believer in the importance of Test cricket. He acknowledged that Test cricket still holds significant value and respect worldwide, despite the lure of T20 leagues and IPL riches.

“I won’t say Test cricket has taken a backseat. If you want to be recognised as a great player, you have to perform well in Test matches, whether it’s in Australia, England, or the subcontinent,” he said.

Conclusion: One Step at Time

As IPL 2025 approaches, Ishant Sharma is not letting the pressure of the mega auction distract him from his immediate goals. For now, he is focusing on staying fit, enjoying the game, and giving his best in the domestic circuit. With his experience and commitment, Sharma’s future in cricket remains bright, whether or not he continues to don the Delhi Capitals jersey in future seasons.

For Sharma, the mantra is simple: “Whatever is in my hand, I’m doing that.”