Ishant Sharma says Indian Cricket does not need him

Ishant Sharma believes that aggression is key to dominate the game

India fast bowler Ishant Sharma believes that Indian cricket team does not need him, but that the vice versa is true. According to a report on Times of India, he was speaking to reporters for the first time after being suspended for one Test after his on-field behaviour against Sri Lanka in the third Test at Colombo.

Ishant has been in great form since the start of India's Test series against Sri Lanka. After being left out of the Delhi Ranji Trophy squad for their first match against Rajasthan, Ishant was picked for their second game against Vidarbha.

With India missing Mohammed Shami, who is still recovering from a knee injury, Ishant would have hoped to have been picked for the ODI series. However, he mentioned that he had no reason to be unhappy considering that he was bowling well and would continue to give his best, as those were the only things in his control.

When asked about whether India would miss his quality in the ODI series, he was humble enough to say that the team necessarily does not need him. “Cricket is a team game. And India does not need Ishant Sharma but Ishant Sharma needs India,” he said.

In the match that ended today against Vidarbha, Ishant impressed with match figures of 9/47. He relentlessly troubled the Vidarbha batsmen with pace and bounce. Ishant considers pace and bounce as his strong points.

“Well, that's my strength. Pace and bounce. Believe in what I need to do and that's what I have been doing. Important thing is to back your strength as that's what helps you in the long run, much easier to go and perform," Ishant said.

Ishant – who was delighted with the backing got from the Indian Test captain Virat Kohli – also told the media that it was vital to approach each game with aggression, but more so with the performance rather than words.

“Whoever is aggressive on the field -- be it bowler or batsman -- is doing pretty well. I think if you have to dominate the game, you have to be aggressive but not with the words but as to how you approach the game and what you do on the field,” Ishant suggested.

After bowling 34 overs in the match against Vidarbha, Ishant believes that he can continue to bowl at the same intensity in the upcoming games. The Indian spearhead will be hoping to continue his form when he takes on Virender Sehwag's Haryana, who Delhi play from October 15-18.