Veteran India pacer Ishant Sharma has showered praise on his former teammate and legendary India fast-bowler Zaheer Khan, saying he was better than England’s James Anderson. Anderson is currently playing the 2023 Ashes with England and is set to face Australia in the second Test of the five-match series at Lord’s on June 28.
Speaking on Ranveer Allahbadia’s YouTube show, Ishant said Anderson’s bowling style is quite different, while insisting that Zaheer was a better bowler than Anderson.
“Jimmy Anderson’s bowling style and method is quite different. He plays in different conditions in England. May be if he played in India. Zak is better than Jimmy Anderson,” said Ishant.
Ishant also touched upon the 2014 Wellington Test where he was accused of abusing Zaheer on the field, saying Zaheer is like a guru for him and he has never abused anyone for dropping a catch.
“I had told that to myself. To this day, people don’t understand to whom I said that. I have never abused anyone who has dropped a catch. How can say that to Zak? He is literally like guru for me. I have never even thought about saying anything like that,” Ishant added.
The Delhi Capitals pacer said former India skipper Virat Kohli brought the fitness culture into the Indian team. Kohli who is a fitness enthusiast, was the captain of the Indian Test side till 2021.
“When Virat Kohli became the captain, he brought fitness culture into the Indian team; it became compulsory to everyone. Now, if you see Shami & other fast bowlers, you can see the difference. That was huge under Kohli,” said Ishant.
India is set to tour the West Indies next month, with the Men in Blue playing two Test matches, three one-day internationals and five T20 internationals, starting July 12.
