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Ishaan Sharma

From Junior Cricketer to Head Coach, U-19 Academy

Last updated: Jul 25, 2025

Cricket Coach (former player) in Sports & Athletics · Bengaluru, India

Former Ranji Trophy cricketer turned U-19 coach. A real career story includes the injury that ended playing, the long pause, and the second career in coaching. Career change inside sport is rarely written about — this is mine.

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Career Timeline

Education2001-2005
Junior Cricketer
State Cricket Association
Played for state under-16 and under-19. School was a side commitment; cricket was the centre of life.
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ContextPlayed for state under-16 and under-19. School was a side commitment; cricket was the centre of life.
ChallengesFamily worried about "backup" career. School friends in coaching classes while I was at nets.
LearningsTalent without routine plateaus around age 17. Routine multiplies modest talent for a decade.
Skills acquired
Batting techniquematch temperamentfitness routinesage-group cricket discipline
First Job2005-2008
First-Class Cricketer
State Ranji Team
Made my Ranji debut at 20. Played three full seasons. Came close to India A squad once.
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ContextMade my Ranji debut at 20. Played three full seasons. Came close to India A squad once.
ChallengesSelection politics. Watching peers get IPL contracts while I waited for the call that did not come.
LearningsCricket gives you a small window. Use it; mourn it later if needed; do not waste it lamenting.
OutcomeBest season: 612 runs at average 47. Career-best of 156* against a top-tier team.
Skills acquired
Ranji-level battingdealing with selectorsaway tourscaptaincy moments
Failure and Lesson2008-2009
Recovery & Pivot (Injury)
Self / rehab
Back injury that did not heal. Played one more season at 60% and stopped fooling myself.
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ContextBack injury that did not heal. Played one more season at 60% and stopped fooling myself.
ChallengesIdentity crisis. "Cricketer" had been my answer for 14 years.
LearningsAthletes need a second career planned before they need it. Nobody told me at 19; I am telling everyone at 31.
Skills acquired
Patience with rehabsports psychologycoaching observationfinancial planning
Career Switch2009-2012
Assistant Cricket Coach
National Cricket Academy
Joined the academy as an assistant coach. Started by helping with U-14 nets. Studied for Level 1 and Level 2 BCCI coaching.
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ContextJoined the academy as an assistant coach. Started by helping with U-14 nets. Studied for Level 1 and Level 2 BCCI coaching.
ChallengesSalary was a fraction of playing days. Convincing teenagers I had something to teach when they only knew current stars.
LearningsCoaching is mostly listening. Your playing instincts are valuable only when you can translate them.
Skills acquired
Coaching certificationage-group psychologyvideo analysiscommunication with parents
Promotion2012-Present
Head Coach, U-19 Academy
National Cricket Academy
Promoted to head coach of the U-19 program. Three years; two players in junior India squads.
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ContextPromoted to head coach of the U-19 program. Three years; two players in junior India squads.
ChallengesManaging aspirations vs realities for kids who all think they will play for India.
LearningsA coach's legacy is the careers they keep on track, not just the ones they launch.
Skills acquired
Squad selectiontraining calendar designmentorshipperformance analyticsdealing with media
AdviceFor young cricketers — finish your degree alongside cricket. The injury could be tomorrow; the second career needs a head-start.

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Ishaan Sharma

Career Timeline

Junior Cricketer

First-Class Cricketer

Recovery & Pivot (Injury)

Assistant Cricket Coach

Head Coach, U-19 Academy

Reflections & Questions from Readers