Ankle injury had forced Ishant Sharma out of the game for long and after enduring a lay-off of more than six months, the Delhi bowler has clambered back into contention for a berth in the Indian team, says a report in The Hindu, adding that Ishant followed up his four-wicket haul for India ‘A’ against Bengal in the Challenger Trophy with a blazing spell (four for 29) for North Zone in the Duleep Trophy quarterfinal against West Zone in Chennai.
Speaking to media, Ishant said that his hard workd had paid off. “I gave it a lot of thought [undergoing the ankle surgery] before going ahead with it. Missing the IPL was my decision and I don’t have any complaints. The fact that I had time for myself helped. As part of my rehabilitation, I was in the NCA (National Cricket Academy) for three months, training from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. I worked on my body and gained strength. There were several long and tough sessions but I guess hard work pays off,” said Ishant, adding that he still continue to bowl with the same kind of intensity.
“Bowling a lot in the nets has helped. I have also learnt to bowl the outswinger. I think I am mentally and physically much stronger now after having gone through the worst phase of my life,” he said.
Meanwhile The Times Of India report says that Ishant bowled at full clip for North and hurried the batsman on the slow Chepauk track. "The wickets are always flat in India and one can't complain. But I am mentally and physically much stronger now. My motive was to keeping hitting the right length, keep posing problems to batsmen," said Ishant, whose last international appearance was the Adelaide Test in January.
"I have seen my worst period when nobody asked me where I was," he said, referring to his long injury lay-off. "My family and friends helped me through it. Missing the IPL (to undergo surgery) was my decision. Looking back I think it was a good decision," Ishant, who has taken 133 wickets in 45 Tests, added.
"I am looking ahead to bowl well in the Duleep Trophy matches and also the first Ranji game. I sure am hopeful of making a comeback during the England series," he said.
According to a report in Hindustan Times, Ishant says the time spent out with injury was the worst in his playing career. “When I was injured, no one enquired about me, no one was bothered. That was the worst phase of my India career. After going through all this, my determination to succeed has increased.”
His preparations for the England series are in full swing. “India's bowling coach, John Dawes, has taught me how to bowl the out-swinger. I have mastered it and that should make the difference,” said Sharma.