Early in the IPL 2025 season, veteran Indian fast bowler Ishant Sharma has been having a difficult time with both discipline and performance. BCCI Takes Action Against Ishant Sharma in SRH vs GT Clash. Ishant has not made an impression while playing for the Gujarat Titans, going wicketless in his first three games. He has given up 97 runs in those games, with his most costly performance occurring on Sunday at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he gave up 53 runs in a costly stint. Regretfully, Ishant’s problems did not stop on the pitch. The senior pacer was disciplined by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday for an on-field tirade that was considered a breach of the Indian Premier League (IPL) Code of Conduct during the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
BCCI Fines Ishant Sharma for Level 1 Offence
According to the official IPL statement, Ishant acknowledged he had committed a Level 1 crime related to misuse of cricket equipment or fixtures, which is covered by Article 2.2 of the BCCI’s Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials. The match referee gave him one demerit point and a fine equal to twenty-five percent of his match fee. There is no appeal available for Level 1 violations since the Match Referee’s ruling is final and binding. According to Article 2.2, it is strictly forbidden to intentionally or carelessly damage any on-field or off-field property, including advertising boards, stumps, boundary ropes, or dressing room fixtures.
Although the specific event was not described in detail, reports claim that after an expensive over, Ishant became enraged and acted aggressively with equipment, potentially hitting the boundary boards with his bat. Despite being emotionally motivated, such behaviour is strictly forbidden by the IPL’s behaviour guidelines.
Frustration on the Field and Pressure Off It
Ishant’s poor start to the tournament is only made worse by this occurrence; his form has clearly deteriorated, and he is currently under investigation from the league’s authorities as well as the team management. Despite having years of IPL experience and more than 100 Test games under his belt, Ishant has long been regarded as a respected figure in Indian cricket. However, his recent performances indicate that he is finding it difficult to keep up in a format that requires accuracy, speed, and flexibility.
Gujarat Titans Ride High on Siraj’s Heroics
In contrast, the Gujarat Titans have achieved success in spite of Ishant’s personal struggles. The team defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by seven wickets on Sunday, extending their winning streak to a third straight triumph. Mohammed Siraj, a native of Hyderabad, was the game’s hero as he claimed four wickets for only 17 runs in an incredible display of quick bowling. The Sunrisers’ batting lineup was completely destroyed by his clinical effort, which held them to a subpar score of 152 for 8.
Siraj is rapidly becoming one of the top bowlers in the tournament and has been in outstanding form this season, taking nine wickets in four games. Gujarat easily chased the target thanks to their batting unit’s effective support of the bowling performance. The team easily passed the finish line, solidifying their position as early title contenders thanks to the contributions of the top and middle order.
Selection Headache for Gujarat Titans
The Gujarat Titans have a selection dilemma as Siraj is thriving and Ishant is having trouble. Given their depth in the speed department, they might be inclined to use younger or more experienced bowlers in future games, particularly if Ishant struggles to establish a rhythm right away. Ishant’s future is full of obstacles; if he hopes to be included in Gujarat’s plans for the rest of the season, he will have to regain his discipline in both attitude and bowling technique.
A Career at Crossroads
His leadership and expertise can still be useful, but only if they are supported by his ability to execute well under duress. The disciplinary penalty has clouded his campaign off the pitch, making the seasoned pacer’s already challenging circumstances even more complicated. Every match becomes increasingly important as the IPL progresses through its league stage, and individual performances frequently determine whether a team advances or is eliminated. For now, the Gujarat Titans are riding high on momentum, but Ishant Sharma’s journey this season stands in stark contrast—marked by inconsistency, a loss of form, and now, disciplinary trouble.
It’s unclear if this is a brief dip or the start of the end of Ishant’s IPL career, but one thing is certain: Ishant will be the centre of attention in the upcoming games, and he needs to respond with skill and maturity to turn his season around.
