While India skipper Virat Kohli has maintained that Indian Premier League (IPL) performances will have no bearing on the selections for the upcoming World Cup, pacer Ishant Sharma is still hopeful of working his way back into the ODI team.

Despite being a constant feature in India’s Test setup, Ishant has not played an ODI since January, 2016 and remains out of favour in the 50-over format. The lanky pacer is currently set to represent Delhi Capitals in the upcoming IPL after being ignored in the 2018 edition.

Although Kohli has claimed that he already has a clear picture of India’s World Cup squad make up, Ishant is not ruling out a potential late call up for himself as the team’s fourth seamer.

“To be honest, I’m always a positive guy and always think something good is going to happen to me. I have opportunities to avail in this IPL,” the Delhi pacer was quoted as saying by the Hindu.

“The Indian team is still looking for a fourth seamer. Hopefully, I am that fourth seamer,” he added.

Ishant is not the only Delhi player eyeing a World Cup call up with skipper Shreyas Iyer too remaining optimistic. With the number four batting position in India’s ODI squad still up for debate, the 24-year-old believes a good IPL could see him make a comeback at the international level.

“I’ll back myself at any number, whatever. I am just waiting my chance. That’s it. I am doing well in every tournament,” the Delhi skipper stated.

“I am enjoying and not thinking about the selection processes. You can get a random call from the selectors that you’ve been selected for World Cup.”

Iyer has already earned six ODI caps for India with his last appearance coming against South Africa in February last year. The right-hander scored 210 runs in those matches at an average of 42 but has seen himself fall behind in the pecking order to Ambati Rayudu.

Delhi Capitals will open their IPL campaign on March 24 with an away clash against Mumbai Indians.