Before the important tour of New Zealand, the Indian team have been dealt major blows as southpaw Shikhar Dhawan(T20I) and ODI series while Ishant Sharma ruled out of the (Test series).
Shikhar Dhawan ruled out of the T20I series.
Dhawan suffered the injury while diving and landed on the shoulder during the 3rd ODI match played at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore on Sunday. He went off the field and had a scan immediately. He did not come to open the innings while chasing 287 runs in the deciding ODI.
Dhawan looked in great form during the 2 ODI matches against Australia with scores of 74 and 96. Since the 2019 World Cup, the left-handed batsman has been suffering injuries. During the series against Australia, he was hit by Pat Cummins on the rib in the 2nd ODI at Rajkot. He batted brilliantly with 96 and helped India lay a strong foundation for a massive total.
The first T20I of the five-match series will begin from 24th January at Auckland. It promises to be an exciting series as India will be looking to continue their good form in the shortest format. The series will finish on 2nd February.
Sanju Samson has been named replacement for Shikhar Dhawan. He is currently playing in India A squad. Samson was given a chance in the 3rd T20I match against Sri Lanka at Pune.
Ishant Sharma ruled of the Test series
As far Test matches are concerned, the experienced Ishant Sharma has been ruled out of the 2 match Test series to be played from 21st February. He injured while appealing during the Ranji Trophy match against Vidarbha at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, New Delhi.
He suffered the injury and could not walk properly after that unfortunate incident. Ishant Sharma is the most experienced bowler in the current Test squad. The tall right arm fast bowler has played 96 matches and taken 292 wickets.
Ishant Sharma has suffered grade 3 tear and has been advised 3 to 6 weeks of rest by DDCA. It is a major blow for the Indian team ahead of the New Zealand tour.
“Ishant Sharma’s MRI report shows a Grade 3 ankle tear and it is serious. He has been advised three to six weeks of rest and rehabilitation. It is indeed a big blow,” DDCA general secretary Vinod Tihara told PTI.
