Didn't Want to Let India Down in a World Cup: Ishant Sharma

India will be without their most experienced fast bowler in the upcoming World Cup after Ishant Sharma was ruled out with an ankle injury that refused to heal. The 26-year-old Delhi pacer has been replaced by Mohit Sharma, who is expected to make his Cup debut.

Ishant, a key member in skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's plans, tried for more than a month to regain his fitness but was ruled out last week, just before India's first World Cup warm-up game against Australia. India's anaemic attack was taken to the cleaners as Australia thrashed India by more than a 100 runs. (India Not Looking Like a Champion Side: Amarnath)

No bowler wants to miss a World Cup but Ishant, who has shouldered India's bowling attack for more than six years, will have to wait another four years to participate in the game's showpiece event.  (Dhawan Says Changes in Batting Has Improved Game)

"The public would never have forgiven me for playing with an injury. I tried my best to get fit but I just couldn't make it," Ishant told Mid-day in Adelaide on Sunday.

"I was to undergo a fitness test (on Saturday) but I knew it would be a futile exercise. I would not have been able to deliver. I had to take a call." This is the second time Ishant has missed out on a World Cup. (Wouldn't Want to Write India Off: Kirsten)

"Everyone wants to play in a World Cup, but I didn't want to let my country down. I tried my very best but I realised I wouldn't have been 100 per cent fit," the fifth quickest Indian to grab 100 ODI wickets said. (Can India Defend World Cup? The Jury is Out)

"My good wishes to the team, especially Mohit. He's a good bowler and I am sure he will perform well for India," Ishant signed off.