Ishant Sharma doubtful for Australia tour after sustaining rib injury: Report

The lanky pacer is likely to be out of action for at least three-four weeks

By Salman Anjum - 13 Oct, 2020

After Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Team India have another injury concern to deal with as Ishant Sharma on Monday (October 12) got ruled of the ongoing IPL in UAE due to a rib injury.

“Delhi Capitals fast bowler Ishant Sharma experienced an acute episode of left rib cage pain while bowling at a team training session on 7 October 2020 in Dubai. Subsequent investigations revealed that he sustained a left internal oblique muscle tear,” Ishant’s franchise Delhi Capitals said in a statement.

While the franchise didn’t reveal the extent of injury, a report published in The Indian Express claims that the lanky pacer will be out of action for at least three-four weeks, which puts a question mark over his participation in India's tour of Australia, starting next month.

The report further says that Ishant will return to India and like Bhuvneshwar, report to the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru to undergo rehabilitation.

Ishant Sharma is one of the key members of India’s Test squad over the last few years. Along with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami, he has played an instrumental role in the team’s overseas success.

However, the 32-year-old has been struggling with injuries since the beginning of this year. An ankle injury sustained during a Ranji Trophy match in January resurfaced during India's tour of New Zealand, forcing him to miss the second Test in Christchurch.

With the selectors expected to pick an oversized squad for Australia tour later this month, it remains to be seen if Ishant gets a nod, as he would have to travel Down Under without any match practice.

(Inputs from The Indian Express)

By Salman Anjum - 13 Oct, 2020

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