Star India pacer Ishant Sharma has been phenomenal throughout his career. He has been amazing with the ball and has helped India clinch some iconic games including Champions Trophy finals against England and others. Recently, Ishant was interviewed by famous YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia on his YouTube channel Beer Biceps.
In the podcast, Ishant spoke about his career and journey with the India team. However, what caused a stir on social media was his opinion about legendary pacers James Anderson and Zaheer Khan. With regard to conditions and pitch, Ishant said that Zaheer is a better bowler than Anderson. To further elaborate, Ishant said that Anderson played the majority of his matches in favourable conditions in England, while Zaheer has been phenomenal throughout his career while playing in the Indian subcontinent, where conditions do not help seamers.
“Jimmy Anderson’s bowling style and method are quite different. He plays in different conditions. He plays in England. Maybe if he played in India…,” said Ishant before Ranveer Allahbadia interrupted and said, “Maybe he (Anderson) wouldn’t have found that kind of success.” In reply, Ishant said, “Zak is better than Jimmy Anderson.”
James Anderson had a poor outing against Australia in first test
Zaheer Khan has called off his illustrious career, but James Anderson is still playing for England. He is currently playing against Australia in the ongoing Ashes 2023. However, Anderson didn’t get off to a good start in the first Test, as he took just one wicket and gave up 109 runs in the first game. It’s worth noting that Anderson has been phenomenal for England in Test cricket. He has taken 686 wickets in 180 matches and has been phenomenal with the bat.
In limited-overs cricket, Anderson has been decent, as he has focused on Test cricket only. He has taken 269 wickets in 194 one-day internationals. Meanwhile, India stalwart Zaheer Khan has been phenomenal with the ball for India in both ODI and Test Cricket. He has taken 282 wickets in 200 ODIs and 311 wickets in 92 matches. He has an 11-wicket haul in Test cricket for India.
Here is how fans reacted to Ishant Sharma’s comments on Zaheer Khan and James Anderson:
No doubt both are excellent fast bowlers and have great swinging abilities but Anderson is touch above him!!! But matter of fact that Anderson played in pitches suited more to him at home where Zaheer bowls on home condition suited for spinners.
— Sunny ? (@being_sunny1) June 25, 2023
Noup Anderson is Better, the way he swung the ball in India was amazing.
— SamD ???? (@revisitorSam) June 26, 2023
Skills-wise, yes.
— NaThing SSC (@SSC_All) June 26, 2023
English Murgi Daal Barabar
— Hudda.eth (@ImHudda) June 25, 2023
Zaheer couldn't do justice to his talent due to his frequent injuries. He even modified his action for longevity. Anderson might be lauded for still playing but he's been an ordinary bowler without support from clouds and pitch.
— Prasad Rajguru (@PrasadRajguru1) June 25, 2023
just like Vada Pao is better than Virat Kohli
— Sultan Khan (@MainHoonSultan7) June 25, 2023
Absolutely not! What is he smoking?
— Finny (@FinnysUtopia) June 25, 2023
Bodied clouderson
— Saurav (@saurav_viratian) June 25, 2023
For a fast bowler to take wickets in the sub continent pitches is a relatively tougher task compared to seamer friendly wickets of England.
That's why…— Abhi (@Abhishek_Negi7) June 25, 2023
Everyone known this.
Zaheer khan Numbers is SENA countries are just amazing.
Anderson is damn average bowler outside England.
— @nkit_Raj (@Im_AnKiT_07) June 25, 2023
No doubt he was better than the great Jimmy and let me tell u a fact jimmy Anderson admitted that he used to watch zaheer khan and his action hiding the ball inspired from zaheer khan
— Fardeen Aalam (@FardeenAalam2) June 25, 2023
Has to give it to Anderson’s longevity but Zaheer Khar at his peak was touch above him. Unsuitable conditions and injuries did to him but whenever he got the chance, he was amazing. Miss him ?
— Daanveer ?? (@daanveers) June 25, 2023
Well, you were better than Jimmy Anderson Ishant. Remember your performance against England in England
— Arun Naik (@arunbnaik) June 25, 2023
