Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Delhi Capitals received a massive setback ahead of the start of the 13th season with their experienced campaigner Ishant Sharma likely to miss the first part of the tournament. Notably, he also missed the second Test against New Zealand at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch which piled up miseries for Virat Kohli & Co.
Ishant had humble beginnings in the build-up to the New Zealand Test series as he attained full fitness and joined the India squad in New Zealand only 72 hours before the first Test. Despite being jetlagged, Ishant Sharma delivered the goods and bagged a vital five-wicket haul. He was entitled to play a crucial role in the second Test with India aiming to level terms in the series, but his tour was cut short with another ankle injury.
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While India already miss the service of their lanky pacer in the ongoing crucial encounter in Christchurch, fresh trouble awaits for Delhi Capitals, who are aiming big in the next season of IPL. According to news agency PTI, Ishant’s aggravated ankle injury can keep him out of the initial phase. The 31-year-old pacer is likely to miss the first part of the cash-rich league this season due to his injury.
Meanwhile, a BCCI official has already raised questions on the National Cricket Academy physio stating how did they declare Ishant Sharma fit within three weeks when he was ruled out for six weeks with a Grade 3.
“Once Ishant was ruled out for six weeks by the Delhi team physio after his scan reports revealed Grade 3, how did Kaushik and the NCA team come to conclusion that three weeks is good enough for return to competitive cricket?,” a BCCI insider questioned, reports PTI.
Meanwhile, the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League will start from March 29 with Delhi Capitals playing their first game against Kings XI Punjab on March 30.