Ishant Sharma Clears Fitness Test; Set To Join India Test Squad In New Zealand

The Indian team received a massive boost ahead of the two-Test series beginning on the 21st of February when Ishant Sharma received clearance to play in the sequence. On receiving the confirmation, Ishant took to Twitter to thank the trainer Ashish Kaushik of National Cricket Academy, who helped him recover in time.

The ace pace bowler suffered a Grade 3 tear on his right ankle while playing for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy against Vidharba at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. He had to be taken off the ground immediately to get medical attention, yet he returned with figures of 3/45.

The 31-year old speedster reacted to him being cleared in his official Twitter account by claiming that scans were a little worrisome after he sustained the injury on the 20th of January. However, with lots of assistance from his trainer Ashish Kaushik, he managed to sneak through to full fitness. He will join the squad ahead of the first Test at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.

It was a roller coaster ride for me after the injury on my ankle on the 20th January but with the help of Ashish Kaushik I managed to pull it off! Scans were a little scary, but today I am happy that I am fit ! ? Thanks Ashish Kaushik! #recoverymode #recovery #postinjury pic.twitter.com/xwNpecc0Iz

— Ishant Sharma (@ImIshant) February 15, 2020

Ishant Sharma had very little chance of playing:

Precisely a day after he sustained the injury, DDCA director Sanjay Bhardwaj conceded that he had been advised to take rest for six whole weeks and the chances of playing the Test series were slim. It all depended on the opinion of the NCA whether or not he would pull through.

“He has been advised complete rest for six weeks, so there is little chance of him playing the Test series against New Zealand next month. When he goes to the National Cricket Academy will depend on his getting into a position where he can walk properly.” Bhardwaj said as quoted by India Today.

The first Test would be contested in Wellington while the second Test will take place at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Currently, the tourists are playing a practice match against NZ XI at the Seddon Park in Hamilton.