ChatGPT, YouTube and 6-9 Months of Practice: The Secret Behind Ishan Sood’s Rise
Ishan Sood is making heads turn at the U19 Asia Cup, but the story behind India’s latest fast-bowling prospect is as interesting as his performances on the field.
Xtratime Webdesk: Ishan Sood is making heads turn at the U19 Asia Cup, but the story behind India’s latest fast-bowling prospect is as interesting as his performances on the field.
The 17-year-old Punjab pacer has picked up eight wickets in three matches, including a four-wicket haul against the UAE. Standing at 6ft 4in, Sood has naturally attracted comparisons with former India pacer Ishant Sharma on social media. But behind his rise is an unconventional learning process involving his father, videos, online research and even ChatGPT.
Sood’s father Dheeraj has played a major role in his development. Rather than relying entirely on a traditional coaching structure, the father-son duo have spent years studying fast bowling through YouTube, Google and social media.
Speaking in an interview, Dheeraj said they regularly watch videos of different bowlers, discuss their techniques and then try to understand how a particular delivery could be incorporated into Ishan’s game.
Their research, he explained, is not restricted to bowling. They also use online resources to learn about fitness, nutrition, gym training and other aspects of a young fast bowler’s development.
That approach has been combined with an extraordinary focus on repetition. For six to nine months, Ishan worked almost exclusively on one delivery a good-length ball aimed at the top of off-stump. Once he became comfortable with that length, the pair began working on movement in both directions.
The results are now visible. Ishan produced figures of 3/18 against Nepal, followed it with 1/36 against Pakistan and then claimed 4/37 against UAE.
His journey has also included success at the domestic level. He took 20 wickets in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy last season and helped Punjab win the competition this year.
With his performances now attracting attention at the Asia Cup, Sood’s rise offers a fascinating example of how modern technology and social media can become an unexpected part of a young cricketer’s education.