World Test Championship Is Like World Cup For Me: Ishant Sharma

Indian veteran speedster Ishant Sharma has established himself as one of the most improved bowlers of the current generation. While there is plenty of hype surrounding Ishant Sharma’s 100th Test, the paceman wants to focus on winning the four-match rubber against England and the ICC World Test Championship. The 32-year old claimed that the WTC is like a World Cup for him.

India and England both stand a chance to play New Zealand at the inaugural ICC World Test Championship final in June in England. India must defeat the Englishmen by 2-1 or 3-1 to reach there while England must beat Virat Kohli’s men by the same scoreline to book their ticket to Lord’s. If the series ends in a draw, Australia will play the decider against their Trans-Tasman rivals at the home of cricket.

Ishant Sharma revealed that his focus lies on how to win the series against England and qualify for the ICC World Test Championship final. The Delhi-born fast bowler added that the WTC is like a World Cup for him and the feeling would be the same as winning a World Cup or Champions Trophy if India wins the Test Championship.

“I am just focussed on how to win this series and qualify for the finals of the WTC. I just play one format, WTC is like a World Cup for me, if we play the finals and then we go on to win, the feeling would be the same as winning the World Cup or the Champions Trophy,” Ishant said as quoted by Times of India

I’m just focussing on the upcoming Test: Ishant Sharma

The veteran paceman further said that he would have loved to travel to Australia and play the 100th Test there; however, things did not go as per plan. Nevertheless, Ishant has learnt not to be stuck with one thing and keep moving on as it becomes comfortable to deal with things. According to him, Kapil Dev’s landmark of 131 Tests proves a bridge too far and he wants to concentrate on the forthcoming assignment of the third Test against England.

“I would have loved to go to Australia to achieve the 100-Test milestone. But, some things do not go as per plan. I couldn’t go to Australia, as soon as you move over certain things, life can become simpler. I have learnt that you cannot stay stuck regarding one thing in your career, it is important to move ahead. 131 Tests landmark of Kapil Dev is too far away, I’m just focussing on the upcoming Test,” he added.

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