Want to be a part of the World Cup-winning team: Ishant Sharma

Ishant Sharma has been a stalwart for India in Test cricket, having picked up 297 wickets from 97 Tests. However, when it comes to the limited-overs formats, the 31-year-old has had a tough time. Having last played ODI and T20I cricket in 2016 and 2013 respectively, the Delhi-born Ishant has fallen off the radar for national selection in the shorter formats.

Nevertheless, the tall and lanky fast bowler hasn’t given up on hopes of representing his country in limited-overs cricket. In fact, the veteran has expressed his desire to be a member of the World Cup-winning Indian setup.

“Obviously, I would love to play in a World Cup. Actually, I want to be part of a World Cup-winning team, as it will be a different feeling altogether. We are playing the World Test Championship, which is equivalent to a World Cup in Test cricket, but you realise that not a lot of people follow it, while an ODI World Cup is widely followed,” Ishant was quoted as saying on ESPNcricinfo.

In ODI cricket, Sharma has picked 115 wickets from 80 matches and last played in the format back in the 2016 tour of Australia. He made his ODI debut way back in 2007 against Ireland in Belfast, but could hardly cement his position.

MS Dhoni always backed me: Ishant Sharma  

Sharma also lauded MS Dhoni, the former Indian skipper, for backing him in critical situations. In the 2013 Champions Trophy final against England, Dhoni handed the ball to Ishant, who had an economy of nine after three overs. Ishant started the over badly, but he chipped in with a couple of crucial wickets.

“MS Dhoni (the captain when Sharma’s numbers were middling) always backed me. Even after my first 50-60 Tests, he never said we’ll look for someone to replace you. To tell you the truth, even after playing 97 Tests, I still don’t understand things like average and strike rate! I’ve never bothered about these things,” he added.

In the last four and half years or so, Ishant has ruffled a few feathers in Test cricket. Along with Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Umesh Yadav, Sharma has weaved magic. Ishant also plays for the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL).