 5, fast bowler Ishant Sharma said that his main priority will always remain on representing India at the international level and playing IPL is a second priority.</p> "Pin It")
Ishant Sharma is recovering from an ankle surgery and working on his rehabilitation at National Cricket Academy (NCA) © Getty Images
New Delhi: May 31, 2012
By CricketCountry Staff
Recovering from an ankle surgery which ruled him out from playing the Indian Premier League (IPL) 5, fast bowler Ishant Sharma said that his main priority will always remain on representing India at the international level and playing IPL is a second priority.
“My priority and that of every cricketer, is to play for country, club comes second. After consulting my seniors and physio they said ‘It will be good if you undergo the surgery and miss the IPL’. I followed their advice,” said Ishant.
Ishant who represents Deccan Chargers in the IPL had suffered a strain in his ankle during the tour to England last year. However the pacer chose to continue playing and preferred to go ahead with the tour to Australia.
“When I was in Australia, it wasn’t that bad. If I had undergone surgery after England tour I would have missed the Australia series which I didn’t want to,” Ishant was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.
Speaking about his recovery the Indian pacer was hopeful of being completely fit before the T20 World Cup in September.
“I am feeling very good at the moment. I’m bowling four overs a day. I don’t know how long it will take, but I should be fit, maybe by August or September,” said Ishant who is undergoing his rehabilitation at National Cricket Academy (NCA).
“The way the physio and trainer are treating me at NCA, I feel stronger than I was before. I came here for two weeks initially; I came back again for a fortnight. Whenever I need progression I come here,” said the lanky pacer.
Apart from Ishant Sharma, India’s leading bowler Zaheer Khan too missed a few matches due to injury in recent months. This allowed a new crop of young bowlers like Umesh Yadav, Varun Aaron a few chances to shine at the highest level. Ishant said the competition for a spot in the national team is good for the team and he would like to focus on his work to retain his place.
“It’s good to have a healthy competition. I believe if you’re good enough then you can retain your place. I don’t think about the competition, my job is to keep working hard and bowl well,” said Ishant.
He also added saying, different formats require different level of fitness but Test matches remain the ultimate challenge.
“If you can play Tests, you can play ODI’s and T20’s. In Tests, you need to bowl at least 17 overs in a day and it’s not an easy thing to do,” concluded the Delhi pacer.
