"As a cricketer, it hurts when you see your teammates create history and find yourself not there in the mix. But as an Indian, I am proud of what they achieved," the 22-year-old told PTI in an interview here today.
"It was emotional for me as well. After 28 years, India won the World Cup. I think that was huge. It was the biggest moment in a life of a cricketer. I can feel what it means even though I wasn''t present there."
Ishant, selected in the national squad for the upcoming tour of West Indies after being overlooked for the World Cup, expressed happiness at his return and said he would take the opportunity to cement his place in the side.
"It is nice to be back in the one-day side. The West Indies tour will be a good platform for me to do well and cement my place in the team," said the lanky pacer who has taken 90 Test and 63 ODI wickets in 31 and 45 matches, respectively.
Asked whether there will be additional responsibility on him during the tour in the absence of the experienced duo of Zaheer Khan, who has been rested, and Ashish Nehra, who is out with an injury, Ishant said it was not the case.
"I don't think so. Munaf Patel did well in the World Cup.
Even Vinay Kumar has played some games and did well for us.
You can't say that if somebody has played 50-60 games for the country he is irresponsible."
PTI
