Key Indian Fast Bowler Ishant Sharma to Miss Afghanistan Test Match: Reports

Updated - 10 Jan 2019, 12:35 AM

Ishant Sharma, Australia vs India 2018
Ishant Sharma (Credits - Getty)

Indian cricketers are set to a highly demanding soon after the conclusion of Indian Premier League (IPL) this summer. They will first play the historic Test match against Afghanistan followed by important away tour to England and Ireland. However, pace bowler Ishant Sharma could be in doubt for the iconic Test against Afghanistan in June.

The lanky fast bowler Ishant is currently plying his trade in county cricket after failing to lure a bid for the cash-rich IPL. But he had suffered an injury while playing for his side Sussex in a county game.

Ishant Sharma County Championship
Ishant Sharma is currently playing county cricket for Sussex. Pic credits: BCCI

Already, Indian skipper Virat Kohli has prioritized county cricket over Afghanistan Test.

Virat will play for Sussex in the summer to get himself acclimatized to English conditions. Ishant, on the other hand, has been quite good in his county stint so far. He managed to pick up eight wickets in three games at an impressive average of 29.

Ishant Sharma was also successful with his bat. He managed an impressive 66 in one of the games.

However, Indian selectors are not taking any chance with Ishant’s injury by picking him up for Afghanistan test, according to reports.

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Ishant Shoulder Injury Could Be  A Concern

Ishant Sharma has been a consistent performer for Indian Test team over the past decade. He has been an asset for India, especially in the overseas conditions.

According to the reports in Times Now, he might not be selected for the Test match against Afghanistan that will begin on June 14 in Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore. The selectors would most likely test out few new faces in the match. They could give Ishant Sharma most rest to help him gain peak fitness for England tour.

Ishant Sharma (Photo credit should read RODGER BOSCH/AFP/Getty Images)

Considering his past record in England, he will (if available) once again play a huge role in India’s five-Test games in England this summer.

On the other hand, his fine form in county cricket meant the selectors are not willing to take any risks to aggravate his shoulder injury.

The veteran and the senior most pacer in the side, Ishant Sharma was also quite good in South Africa earlier this year.

The Delhi-based bowler Ishant had delivered when the team needed the wickets. He could once again be the go-to man for Kohli cometh the summer.

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