“The public would never have forgiven me for playing with an injury”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

India pace bowler Ishant Sharma has revealed that he opted to miss the World Cup since he did not want to let his country down.

Sharma has also been struggling to recover from an ankle injury he picked up during the recent four-Test series against Australia. Since he failed to get fit in time for the marquee event, Mohit Sharma was called up as his replacement.

“The public would never have forgiven me for playing with an injury,” Sharma told Mid-day. “I tried my best to get fit but I just couldn’t make it.

“I was to undergo a fitness test (on Saturday) but I knew it would be a futile exercise. I would not have been able to deliver. I had to take a call.

“Everyone wants to play in a World Cup, but I didn’t want to let my country down. I tried my very best but I realised I wouldn’t have been 100 per cent fit.

“My good wishes [go] to the team, especially Mohit. He’s a good bowler and I am sure he will perform well for India.”