Indian pacer Ishant Sharma has been ruled out of the upcoming New Zealand tour after tearing his ankle in Delhi's domestic match against Vidarbha on Monday. Ishant twisted his ankle while appealing for dismissal against Vidarbha skipper Faiz Fazal in the fifth over. Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) general secretary Vinod Tihara confirmed that Ishant suffered a Grade 3 tear and has been advised six weeks rest.
Ishant Sharma's MRI report shows a Grade 3 ankle tear and it is serious. He has been advised six weeks of rest and rehabilitation. It is indeed a big blow", Vinod Tihara said.
"Luckily there is no fracture. There is an ankle tear. The moment he is in a position to walk, he will travel to NCA," added another DDCA official.
Navdeep Saini, who was impressive in the recently-concluded ODI series against Australia is likely to replace Ishant for the New Zealand Test series.
India will take on New Zealand in a two-match Test series starting from 21 February.
