England vs India 2018: Report Card of key players for the Test series

#5 Ishant Sharma

Numbers don't justify Ishant Sharma's performances in this series

It took Ishant Sharma nearly 80 tests but he finally arrived at the scene. Had Ishant Sharma bowled like this since early in his career, who knows where he might have been today? Anyway, let bygones be bygones, for the moment we should celebrate what we have and we have a rejuvenated Ishant Sharma who is as lethal in bowling friendly conditions as anyone going around especially to left-handers.

Ishant has always been a great team man, bowling his heart out every time and he did the same this time around but with greater success, than he ever had. Getting mighty Cook out 11 times in his career definitely tells you that this man had the ability but just couldn't use it well enough until last few months.

Ishant Sharma was India's leading wicket-taker and in Edgbaston, he almost won the game for India had it not been for Sam Curran's brilliance. He not only took wickets but also kept pressure from another end when other bowlers were in action. With 18 wickets at 24.26, he probably had the best series of his career personally.

Rating - 9/10