Ishant Sharma last played a One-day International, his 80th, over two years ago in Sydney against Australia. Ishant’s last T20 International was against Australia too. He conceded 52 in his four overs in India’s six-wicket win in Rajkot in 2013.

The 30-year-old, however, hasn’t given up on representing India in the shorter formats. The fast bowler, who will represent Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League, said he was still hopeful of getting the selection committee’s nod for the World Cup-bound team. “There is always hope as you don’t know what brings you back on the table. I am a positive guy and I think that something good will happen to me and I have an opportunity to do well in this IPL,” Sharma said.

Sharma, who failed to get picked in the IPL last season, said the perception that he was only suited for Test cricket was a reason for this time away from the shorter formats. “I don’t know from where these perceptions come and someone gets tagged like ‘he is a T20 bowler or he is a Test bowler’. I think whoever does well in red-ball cricket can do well in all formats. All you need to do is just back your varieties and do well with the white ball,” Sharma said. “But I am positive as I had a good time in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and had a good Test series. I don’t think about too many things,” he added.