I've become more patient after the Lanka series snub: Ishant

Mirpur:

Back in form with his four-wicket haul in Bangladesh's first innings, Indian pacer Ishant Sharma today said the time he spent outside the team has taught him to be more patient.

Ishant said the selectors were right in dropping him from the home series against Sri Lanka since he too was convinced that going by form, he did not deserve a place.

"It was a very hard time for me in those days. I was desperate to play for the country. It was the first time I was experiencing that because for the last three years my career has been up and up.

"But I learnt from that experience that I should be patient in life and in bowling also," Ishant told reporters after the opening day's play of the second and final Test.

"I don't think in the form I was in at that time I deserved a place in the ODI side (against Sri Lanka). I thank the selectors for that.

"I don't think I have any technical flaw. It (being dropped) is part and parcel of any cricketer's life. You have to face that and it was a challenge. I am happy that I learnt to be patient at the hard times," he added.

Ishant also thanked his Delhi teammate Virender Sehwag and feels the dashing opener played a part in his comeback bid.

"All the senior players helped me a lot when I made my comeback. I want to thank Viru as I think he had a role to play in my selection in the first Test in Chittagong," Ishant said.

The gangling pacer said new bowling coach Eric Simmons was also helping him to gain his rhythm back.

"I think I have got back my rhythm. It is really good to get the rhythm back at the beginning of the season as a big series against South Africa is coming next month. It is good for me and for the team as we all are looking for the series," said the 21-year-old right-arm fast bowler.

"I am working on my bowling with Eric Simmons. He tells me about my wrist and my bowling. So far it has been good. Let us see how it goes against South Africa," said Ishant.

Ishant said he was happy that the Indian bowlers did a good job by bowling in the right areas.

"It was a good toss to lose as the wicket was damp in the morning with some dew. We bowled at the right areas and we remained patient for the wickets. You need to be patient to get wickets," he said.

"We bowled at the right areas and kept applying pressure on them," he added.