**Ishant Sharma Fined for Code of Conduct Breach During IPL 2025**
Veteran pacer Ishant Sharma, representing Gujarat Titans (GT) in IPL 2025, found himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons after his team’s victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Sunday. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) slapped Ishant with a fine amounting to 25% of his match fees and handed him one demerit point for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct. The incident, coupled with his underwhelming performance, has sparked conversations about the challenges faced by the seasoned bowler this season.
**What Happened?**
The breach occurred during GT’s match against SRH at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Ishant admitted to committing a Level 1 offence under Article 2.2 of the IPL Code of Conduct and accepted the Match Referee’s sanction without appeal. According to the IPL statement, decisions regarding Level 1 breaches are final and binding.
**What Does Article 2.2 Cover?**
Article 2.2 pertains to "abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during a match." This includes actions such as:
- Hitting or kicking stumps
- Damaging advertising boards, boundary ropes, dressing room doors, mirrors, or other fixtures
- Reckless or negligent behavior resulting in damage—even if accidental
While the exact details of Ishant’s actions were not disclosed, such breaches often stem from frustration during high-pressure moments.
**A Tough Day for Ishant Sharma**
Ishant’s struggles on the field mirrored his off-field woes. The veteran pacer bowled four overs but went wicketless while conceding a whopping 53 runs—making him GT's most expensive bowler on the day. His performance added to his disappointing start this season, where he has managed just one wicket across three matches while conceding 107 runs in eight overs.
Despite Ishant’s struggles, GT secured a commanding seven-wicket victory over SRH, thanks to Mohammed Shami’s exceptional spell of 4/17—his career-best figures in IPL—and Shubman Gill’s unbeaten knock of 60 runs.
**Fan Reactions**
The news of Ishant’s fine and poor performance has drawn mixed reactions from fans:
- *“Ishant Sharma needs to find his rhythm soon; GT can’t afford expensive spells like this!”*
- *“Unfortunate for Ishant, but these moments happen in cricket. Hope he bounces back stronger!”*
- *“Shami is carrying GT’s bowling attack right now—time for others to step up!”*
While many sympathized with Ishant’s struggles, others questioned whether GT should explore younger bowling options moving forward.
**Gujarat Titans’ Campaign So Far**
Despite Ishant’s underwhelming performance, Gujarat Titans are riding high in IPL 2025. Their victory over SRH marked their third consecutive win after an opening defeat against Punjab Kings. With three wins from four matches, GT now sits second on the points table with a healthy net run rate.
Mohammed Shami has emerged as GT’s standout bowler this season, taking nine wickets in four matches while maintaining exceptional economy rates. His consistency has been instrumental in GT’s success so far.
**What’s Next for Ishant Sharma?**
As Gujarat Titans prepare for their next clash against Rajasthan Royals on April 9, questions remain about Ishant Sharma’s role in the team. With promising bowlers like Sherfane Rutherford and Washington Sundar waiting in the wings, GT might consider rotating their squad to maintain balance and effectiveness.
For Ishant, this is an opportunity to regroup and rediscover his form. His experience remains invaluable, but he will need to deliver consistent performances to justify his place in the playing XI.
**Conclusion**
Ishant Sharma’s fine serves as a reminder of the emotional toll that high-stakes tournaments like IPL can have on players. While his performances have been below par this season, his resilience and past achievements cannot be overlooked. As Gujarat Titans continue their campaign, fans will hope that Ishant can bounce back and contribute meaningfully to their success.
For now, all eyes will be on GT’s next match as they aim to solidify their position at the top of the table while navigating challenges within their squad.
4:22 AM · Apr 7, 2025
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