Ishant Sharma eager to be in World Cup mix

Ishant Sharma believes he can be the fourth seamer for India in the World Cup in England and hopes to correct the perception surrounding him with a solid performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Sharma, with the experience of 80 one-day internationals (ODI), had last featured in the format in January 2016, against Australia in Sydney. Of late, he has featured more in Tests.

“I’m always a positive guy and always think something good is going to happen to me. I have opportunities to avail in this IPL. The Indian team is still looking for a fourth seamer. Hopefully, I am that fourth seamer,” Ishant said during a Delhi Capitals interaction.

“I think perception has played a big part in me not being in limited overs set-up. It is something that players have been dealing with, to be honest, but I don’t know frankly that from where these perceptions emerge.”

Asked if he has been in touch with any selector, Ishant said: “I’m not the one to talk to selectors. I only blame myself for my lack of performances. I think if they (selectors) are not selecting me, there has to be some fault in me. I don’t crib. I always take it on me,” he said.

The 30-year-old has had a good season abroad and believes he needs to focus only on performance. “I got tired of the tag that I am bowling well. Now I just want to take wickets. Wickets are the only thing that can change ‘the perception’.”

Ishant said playing county cricket last year helped him improve his bowling. “ I think county cricket has helped me a lot as it was very hard work. Bowling 300 overs in just 16 days, I played four games. But it brought a lot of control to my bowling, especially to my line and length.

“Jason Gillespie gave me a lot of confidence. Even if I didn’t have a good day on the field, he backed me.”