Just two appearances with the Indian team has made paceman Ishant Sharma
wise enough to understand the rigours of international cricket and the teenager
is ready to wait to be "best prepared" for a long career at the highest
level.
The 19-year-old Delhi bowler, who has played one Test against
Bangladesh in Dhaka and a one-dayer against South Africa at Belfast,
Ireland, said he has realised that it was important to be consistently successful
to be in the Indian team.
"It's not easy to take wickets in international cricket.
I need more preparation to play regularly and be successful at that level,"
Sharma said.
"Since fast bowlers peak after 23 so I will be best prepared by that time.
At the moment, I want to give my 100 per cent to wherever I play. After all,
it's all about performance. Whoever performs will be in the team," he said.
Sharma, who is playing for India A against their South African
counterparts here, said the realisation came after he became friends with fellow
paceman S Sreesanth.
"Sreesanth became a good friend of mine during my stay
with the Indian team. He said don't be in a hurry. Give some time to yourself."
Zaheer Khan also helped him improve his bowling during the England tour.
"I have changed my grip when Zaheer (Khan) showed me how
I should hold the ball. Earlier, I used to hold the ball a bit tightly but now
I bowl to get good length edges. I also bowl slower variations now," he
said.
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