He is a right arm fast-medium bowler. Sharma has a high arm delivery action and does not swing the ball but depends on pace and movement off the seam.
At the age of 18, Sharma was called to join the Indian squad for the tour of South Africa in 2006–07. However, after receiving the call and organising travel arrangements, it was decided not to send him on the tour. In reference to his height and lean physique, the 1.92-metre (6 ft 4 in) bowler is nicknamed Lambu. In 2011 he became the fifth youngest player to take 100 Test wickets