Ishant Sharma ready to return to Indian side
India fast bowler Ishant Sharma has made an impressive comeback after a lay-off of more than six months due to an ankle injury. He displayed the glimpses of his old self during his four-wicket haul for India A against Bengal in the Challenger Trophy and for North Zone in the Duleep Trophy quarterfinal against West Zone in Chennai.
India fast bowler Ishant Sharma has made an impressive comeback after a lay-off of more than six months due to an ankle injury. He displayed the glimpses of his old self during his four-wicket haul for India A against Bengal in the Challenger Trophy and for North Zone in the Duleep Trophy quarterfinal against West Zone in Chennai.
Fully recovered after the surgery, Ishant says he is bowling with the same kind of intensity. "I gave it a lot of thought (ankle surgery) before going ahead with it. Missing the IPL was my decision and I don't have any complaints."
The Delhi pacer also spoke about the tough times he went through during the injury and the subsequent operation. "I think I am mentally and physically much stronger now after having gone through the worst phase of my life," Ishant said.
"Nobody asked me where I was. In a way, it's good that it happened to me. But my family and friends have been very supportive."
"I was in touch with Viru paaji, Gautam paaji, and Laxman paaji. I spoke to Zak paaji as well when I was at the NCA. It's always good to receive support from senior players," he added.
Ishant also said he wanted to play all formats of the game, instead of being termed as a Test specialist. "It does bother me that I am not part of the limited-overs sides because I would love to play all the three formats," he said.
The lanky pacer said he is now fully fit to return to the Indian side. "I am fully fit and looking forward to doing well in the Duleep Trophy and Ranji Trophy. Hopefully, I will find a place in the Indian XI during the England series."