Knee injury puts question mark over Ishant Sharma’s availability for mega-event

He had injured his knee during the Boxing Day Test at MCG and subsequently sat out of the fourth Test in Sydney. He had then spent the first few training sessions of the ODI team on the sidelines, and at times was seen running in gingerly for spells in the nets. But the 26-year-old had then run in at full tilt prior to the game against Australia at the SCG, and was even drafted into the XI. But unfortunately, rain ensured only 16 overs of play, and Ishant didn’t get a chance to even get on to the field.

When India reached Western Australia, they put Rohit Sharma through a fitness test two days prior to their match on Friday. At that stage Ishant was considered to be fit to take the field. And to his credit, he did put in a long spell in the nets on Thursday. MS Dhoni then clarified that everyone except Rohit was fit for selection. But then on Friday it was the other Sharma who took the field, with Ishant resting on the sidelines.

Dhoni then revealed to have been in the dark about Ishant’s injury while addressing the media on the eve of the ODI.

“You know he bowled in the nets, and after that he had a sore knee because of the nets session. Before that also he was bowling but he was fine, but by the time we came for the press conference there was no niggle as such. This came to our notice by evening but it was too late for us to do anything. Also the reason we didn’t want to push him. Because if there is a niggle it may turn into an injury,” he said.

Ishant’s absence will further hinder an Indian attack that has so far lacked penetration on Australian soil. Incidentally, Stuart Binny was the highest wicket-taker for India with four wickets, while the premier pacers bled runs at high economy rates and failed to take wickets. Interestingly though, Dhoni had spoken about having Ishant back in four days after the WACA ODI.

“According to the physio, he may be fit in the next four days. That’s what they are saying. Apart from that, I am not a physio, I don’t know. I just ask him who all are available and he tells me who are the guys who are available,” he said. But as it turns out, he might have to make do without his fast bowling spearhead.