India pacer Ishant Sharma has decided against participating in the first round of Delhi's Ranji Trophy matches, starting December 9.

As per a report published in TOI, the lanky paceman had been training with the Delhi team till Tuesday (December 3) before making himself unavailable. Ishant’s name was missing when DDCA announced the squad on Wednesday (December 4) afternoon.

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Report also claims that the 96-Test veteran is likely to spend time in Bengaluru’s National Cricket Academy (NCA) as the Indian team management is careful about preserving its leading pacers ahead of the all-important New Zealand tour.

"We were informed that the Indian cricket board (BCCI) didn't release him to play Ranji Trophy for now. We were just told that he is unavailable. He's probably going to NCA to train and look after his body. We have not been told when he will be available to play," Delhi chief selector Atul Wassan told TOI.

Sources said the 31-year-old bowler doesn't want to take any risk as he wishes to play more than 100 Tests.

"He has been playing for 12 years. He is wary of the workload now. He bowls at full tilt whenever he plays for Delhi. He is at the prime of his career at the moment. He wants to play well beyond 100 Tests for India and keep this form. He has informed the Delhi team management to not chalk their plans this season completely around him," sources close to the Delhi team management said.

India won’t play a Test match till February in New Zealand and in the meantime, Ishant is expected to play a couple of Ranji matches to get some match practice.

(Inputs from TOI)