Ahead of their IPL 2020 opener against Kings XI Punjab, Delhi Capitals have received a huge setback. Their premier bowler Ishant Sharma picked up an injury during a practice session and is expected to be sidelined for a considerable amount of time.

As per reports in Cricbuzz, Ishant Sharma injured his back before their first game against Kings XI Punjab. His absence will jolt the Delhi Capitals bowling outfit as there will be no good bowler to partner Kagiso Rabada.

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Ishant Sharma – Constantly Prone to Injuries in His Career

Injuries have been a constant for Ishant Sharma in his career. His most recent was an ankle injury which he survived earlier this year in January. He came back to play the Test series against New Zealand, again injuring his ankle in the process. Since then, Ishant Sharma has been undergoing recovery at NCA’s rehabilitation center.

Ishant’s absence would also mean that Delhi’s spin department will have to take up that extra responsibility with the ball. They have seasoned campaigner Ravichandran Ashwin to lead the Delhi spin attack. Together with Amit Mishra and Sandeep Lamichhane, Delhi have one of the best spin attacks in IPL 2020.

Delhi Capitals under Shreyas Iyer reached the semi-finals of IPL 2019 and Ishant Sharma picked up 13 wickets for the franchise last year. The pacer reached the venue along with his team back in August and since then was concentrating on his preparations.

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Ishant Sharma’s long-standing injury will give selection headaches to the Delhi Capitals management.  The squad is built with young bowlers and Ishant’s absence will push back the franchise big time. Delhi Capitals’ other potential like-for-like replacements for Ishant from the existing squad include Harshal Patel, Mohit Sharma and Avesh Khan.

Meanwhile, Delhi capitals Coach Ricky Ponting has predicted the Dubai wicket to have a lot of grass cover assisting the seamers. On a seam-friendly pitch, the absence of Ishant’s absence might just turn out to be key for the 2019 semi-finalists.

Also Read:  IPL 2020: Match 1 – 5 Takeaways from Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings Match