With a total of 311 scalps in Test cricket, Ishant was at times, an absolutely exceptional bowler for the Men in Blue in the longest format
1. 7/74 vs England, Lord’s, 2014
After bowling out India for 342 runs in the second innings, England had to achieve the target of 319 runs. Looking at the hosts’ stacked batting lineup, it looked as if they would reach the target with rather ease, but Ishant’s career-best bowling figures helped in turning the match completely into India’s favour. An amazing 7-wicket haul by Ishant saw the opposing batters tumble like a pack of cards and The Three Lions would be bowled out for 223 runs and India would go on to complete a famous 95-run victory.
2. 6/51 vs New Zealand, Wellington, 2014
A brilliant bowling display by both Ishant and Mohammed Shami led to New Zealand getting bowled out for a mere 190 runs at home. Ishant took a 6-wicket haul while the other 4 scalps were bagged by Shami. After the bowlers restricted the Black Caps to a low score, the batters would then play their part and post 438 runs on the board and take a massive lead of 248 runs before the hosts’ second innings.
3. 6/55 vs West Indies, Bridgetown, 2011
After bowling out India for only 201 runs in the first innings, it was expected that the West Indies would take a massive lead over the visitors. However, the complete opposite happened as the hosts would get bowled out for just 190 runs. This was mainly thanks to Ishant’s amazing bowling spell. The pacer would take a 6-wicket haul to shatter the West Indian batting order and was assisted well by the rest of the bowlers who didn’t give away silly runs.
4. 5/43 vs West Indies, New Sound, 2019
After India would get bowled out for 297 in the first innings, Ishant’s magnificent 5-wicket haul would help the Men in Blue restrict the West Indies to a far lower total. Ravindra Jadeja and Shami would also contribute well with 2 wickets each as the Windies would be dismissed for 222 runs. India would then post a total of 343 runs, setting up a target of 419 for the Windies. Ishant would again contribute well with 3 wickets as India bowled out West Indies for a total of 100 and won the match by 318 runs.
5. 5/51 vs England, Birmingham, 2018
After missing out on taking the lead by only 13 runs in the first innings, the Indian bowlers knew that they had to restrict England to a low score otherwise the match would fall out of their grasp and that is exactly what they did. The Three Lions got bowled out for only 190 runs as Ishant bowled one of the best spells of his career. However, this incredible effort would all go in vain as India would not be able to chase the 193-run target and would be bowled out for 162 runs thanks to England pacers’ amazing effort.
