Ishant Sharma wanted to quit ODIs after being ignored for World T20

New Delhi, Apr 13: Ishant Sharma was so disappointed after being dropped from the WorldT20 squad that he wanted to retire from the ODIs. The fast bowler was under fire for his string of average performances in the series against Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.

"It was a setback for me when I did not do well for the country or when I was not selected. You feel bad when you are not part of the T20 World Cup," he said.

"It is a big tournament. But it is not in my hand. If I am playing Test cricket or wherever I am playing, I have to do well in those conditions and that particular format," he said at an event of the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Ishant said it was his mother who made him change his mind. "I think the one person who gave me confidence was my mother. At one stage, I thought I should stop playing ODIs. But my mother pulled me out of my negativities. Such support from your parents or friends gives you much-needed confidence.

"Now, I am enjoying my cricket, which is more important. If you enjoy your cricket and express yourself on the field, you will do well."

With the Indian Premier League just days away, the Delhi bowler said he is looking forward to give his best in the new season for Sunrisers Hyderabad. "I am looking forward to do well in the new season. I am bowling well. I am in good rhythm. I played in domestic Twenty20, bowled well, took some wickets. I am confident with my bowling and hopefully I will do well for the Sunrisers this time as well."

"I bowled well in South Africa and New Zealand and in the North Zone T20 tournament too," he said.

Ishant bowled a good spell in his last T20 match for Delhi taking 4 for 9 against Haryana in the Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy.

India will head to England for a Test series after the IPL, but Ishant is focused on the present. He said he does not believe in setting personal goals.

"I don't set personal goals for myself. Because in doing so you end up putting pressure on yourself. In T20 cricket one needs to react according to the situation."

Ishant and South Africa's Dale Steyn forged a good new-ball combination for Sunrisers last season. Ishant, who took 15 wickets in IPL last year, said he has learnt a lot for Steyn. "Dale gives his plans and we set fields accordingly. That helps a fast bowler. It feels really great. I have learnt a lot from him."

The first part of the IPL will be played in UAE and Ishant expects the wickets to be similar to that in India.

"I think the wicket will be the same. It does not matter whether you play in India or UAE, the wicket will be the same in Asia. You should know where you need to bowl in the T20 format. You don't need to see how the wicket is going to behave. You just need to execute your plans well."