Virat Kohli has singled out Ishant Sharma for his efforts in the just-concluded Test series against South Africa, one that the home team won comprehensively.
"I am very pleased to see Ishant taking up the role of the leader of the pace attack, and he is actually feeling like one. With the kind of experience he has under his belt, it is important for him to guide the other guys.
"It is important that others grow in his presence. And he is bowling beautifully," said Kohli.
The Indian Test captain proceeded to appreciate the bowler's efforts in Sri Lanka, which helped India secure a first series win in the island nation in 22 years.
"The way he bowled in Sri Lanka, I have never seen him bowl like that since his first tour of Australia (in 2008)," explained Kohli, adding, "He has got his confidence back.
"Even in this series, he knew he did his job for the team by putting in those maidens and creating pressure."
Team director Ravi Shastri has also waxed eloquent about India's pace spearhead.
"I think he (Ishant) is very close to becoming a complete fast bowler," he said.
"He knows how to adapt to different conditions and different situations of the game. He knows when to let go and when to hold back. He has pretty much understood his own game.
"He is technically very good now. There could be room for improvement, but he has grown in his role, and is our most reliable fast bowler at the moment," added Shastri.
