New Delhi: As India desperately searched for wickets in Chennai, the captain's thoughts perhaps turned to a man, forced out due to injury. But through CNN-IBN, Ishant Sharma had a message for Anil Kumble: "I am fit to play in the second Test!"

Rupha Ramani: Right now your teammates are playing in Chennai and you're here. Are you missing all the action?

Ishant Sharma: I miss it sometimes, but I'm the kind of person who is not thinking about it. I'm not out because of performance, I'm out because of my fitness, which is not in my hands.

Rupha Ramani: How are you recuperating? Are you doing any exercises for it? Are there any particular things that you're doing for it?

Ishant Sharma: Not really. Now I have healed. I have been bowling for the last 3-4 days, and I will bowl tomorrow as well. Before the second Test, I think I will pick up the rhythm as well.

Rupha Ramani: Is it certain that we are going to see you in Ahmedabad?

Ishant Sharma: Even I am going to see that.

Rupha Ramani: When you were in Australia, you got a lot of praise from all quarters. How do you respond to praises from people who have played the game for so long?

Ishant Sharma: I think it's a great feeling when people like (Glenn) McGrath and Steve Waugh say good things about you, which really motivates you, gives your confidence a boost.

Rupha Ramani: Tell us how it was in Australia.

Ishant Sharma: It was a really nice experience for me, both off and on the field. Off the field, we enjoyed it sans the controversies, and on the field we played hard cricket. Like the Australians play against every team, we also played the same way against them.

Rupha Ramani: What about your association with Reebok? How has the whole relationship with Reebok been for you?

Ishant Sharma: When I was nothing, Reebok was the one that came to me and told me to use their stuff. So I give a lot of credit to Reebok for me being where I am today.