Ishant Sharma, one of India’s most experienced fast bowlers, continues his long IPL journey in IPL 2026 after being retained by Gujarat Titans (GT) for INR 75 lakh. The veteran pacer, with more than 400 international wickets, brings immense experience, swing ability, and leadership to the GT bowling unit.
Known for his height, natural bounce, and ability to swing the ball both ways, Ishant remains a valuable asset in T20 cricket as a powerplay specialist and mentor to GT’s young fast bowlers.
Ishant Sharma IPL 2026 – Key Highlights
- Team: Gujarat Titans (GT)
- IPL 2026 Price: INR 75 lakh
- Role: Fast Bowler
- IPL Debut: 2008
- IPL 2026 Status: Retained by GT
- Total Matches: 117
- Total Wickets: 97
- Best Bowling Figures: 5/12
- Economy Rate: 8.36
Ishant Sharma IPL Career Overview
Ishant Sharma has been part of the IPL since the inaugural season in 2008. Over the years, he has represented multiple franchises including Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kings XI Punjab, Rising Pune Supergiant, and now Gujarat Titans.
Despite being considered a red-ball specialist for India, Ishant has delivered several impactful spells in IPL, especially during powerplay overs.
His standout career highlight remains the 5/12 spell, one of the best bowling performances by an Indian pacer in IPL history.
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Ishant Sharma IPL 2026 Price & Team
| Season | Team | Price |
|---|---|---|
| IPL 2026 | Gujarat Titans (GT) | ₹75 Lakhs |
| IPL 2025 | Gujarat Titans | ₹75 Lakhs |
| IPL 2024 | Delhi Capitals | ₹50 Lakhs |
| IPL 2023 | Delhi Capitals | ₹50 Lakhs |
GT continues to trust the veteran pacer for his accuracy, experience, and mentorship value.
Ishant Sharma IPL Batting & Fielding Stats (Career)
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 117 |
| Runs | 57 |
| Highest Score | 10* |
| Average | 9.50 |
| Strike Rate | 82.61 |
| Fours | 4 |
| Sixes | 2 |
| Catches | 21 |
Batting is not Ishant’s primary skill, but he has contributed small cameos when required.
Ishant Sharma IPL Bowling Stats (Career)
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 117 |
| Wickets | 97 |
| Best Bowling | 5/12 |
| Average | 34.84 |
| Economy | 8.36 |
| Strike Rate | 25.00 |
| 4-Wicket Hauls | 0 |
| 5-Wicket Hauls | 1 |
His wicket-taking ability in crucial overs and control in swinging conditions make him an important bowler.
Ishant Sharma IPL Performance – Season by Season (Bowling)
| Season | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Best | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 18.2 | 205 | 4 | 1/18 | 11.18 |
| 2024 | 27 | 265 | 10 | 3/34 | 9.81 |
| 2023 | 25 | 206 | 10 | 2/19 | 8.24 |
| 2021 | 12 | 97 | 1 | 1/26 | 8.08 |
| 2019 | 46 | 349 | 13 | 3/38 | 7.58 |
| Career | 404.1 | 3379 | 97 | 5/12 | 8.36 |
Ishant Sharma – Last 10 IPL Bowling Innings
| Match | Figures |
|---|---|
| vs SRH | 1/35 |
| vs RR | 0/36 |
| vs KKR | 1/18 |
| vs DC | 1/19 |
| vs SRH | 0/53 |
| vs RCB | 1/27 |
| vs MI | 0/17 |
| vs DC | 3/34 |
| vs RCB | 1/31 |
| vs DC | 0/34 |
He has shown glimpses of brilliance, especially his 3/34 spell in 2024.
Ishant Sharma Strengths
Swing Bowling
- Natural outswinger with the new ball
- Trouble for right-handers in powerplay
Experience & Game Awareness
- 17+ years of IPL experience
- Calm bowler in pressure situations
Mentorship Role
- Guidance for young GT pacers
- Key influence in building strong bowling routines
Powerplay Control
- Maintains tight lines early on
- Forces false shots with lateral movement
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Ishant Sharma IPL 2026 Role in Gujarat Titans
GT aims to use Ishant as:
- A powerplay specialist
- Backup strike bowler
- Mentor for young fast bowlers
- Experienced head in tight matches
His ability to swing the ball makes him useful in Ahmedabad’s big ground conditions.
Conclusion
Ishant Sharma remains one of India’s most experienced and respected fast bowlers. Gujarat Titans’ decision to retain him for IPL 2026 at ₹75 lakh reflects his value as a swing bowler, leader, and mentor in the squad.
With 97 IPL wickets, a five-wicket haul, and years of expertise, Ishant adds depth and experience to the GT pace attack. As he enters yet another season, fans will be eager to see his impact in IPL 2026.
