Mumbai: Even before the start of Test series against New Zealand in Kanpur, the Indian cricket team faced a void. The right-arm fast-medium bowler, Ishant Sharma will not be part of the first Test match, scheduled to start from 22nd of September, I.e. coming Thursday.
The news has been confirmed by current head coach of India, Anil Kumble himself. He addressed to media at Kanpur and authenticated Ishant’s no show, also he cleared up that the replacement for the player hasn’t been decided yet.
Ishant is the most experienced bowler in India’s current squad. In 72 Tests, he successful managed to seize 209 wickets. He also performed well during recently conducted test match against West Indies where he cleaned up eight wickets.
The lanky pacer is suffering from the viral fever-‘chikungunya’. For his fast recovery from the decease he has been ruled out of 1st India-New Zealand test match. Kumble after the training said, “Ishant Sharma is recovering from chikungunya and will not be available for the first Test match. We have not asked for any replacement and will choose our first XI from the available 14.”
After the news became officials even, twitter trended. Indian fans were disheartened to know about Ishant’s health. Some even declared ‘Indian mosquitoes’ as anti national! , As they ignored the upcoming test series.However, Indian fans can heal their pain with the disclosure of report that even opponents are facing players set back, Jimmy Neesham was ruled out due to a rib injury and before him, Tim Southee was fenced with an ankle ligament strain and was returned back to New Zealand.
Just a day is left for the series to start, and now all are waiting for replacement to be announced. Bhuvneshwar Kumar is learnt to be ahead in the race.