Paceman Ishant Sharma's World Cup dream over?

Add as a preferred source on Google

Perth, Feb 2: India paceman Ishant Sharma's dream of playing in his first World Cup might be over due to a knee injury, according to reports.

World Cup Special

Ishant, who is part of India's 15-man World Cup squad, is likely to miss the tournament in Australia and New Zealand. And in his absence, another Sharma - Mohit is on standby.

India failed to win a single game in the just concluded tri-series. Ishant did not feature in India's last league game against England in Perth on January 30. However, he was in the Playing XI for the match against Australia on January 26 but did not get to bowl as the contest was abandoned due to rain.

"You know he (Ishant) 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," captain MS Dhoni had said before Perth ODI.

Now reports have emerged that Ishant is unlikely to get fit in time before the World Cup starts on February 14. India's opening game is against Pakistan on February 15, in Adelaide.

Mohit, who impressed in his only game in the tri-series (2/36 against England), will get to make his World Cup debut this year, if picked.

During 2011 World Cup, before the tournament, Praveen Kumar was ruled out due to injury and S Sreesanth and come in. India went on to win the trophy, defeating Sri Lanka.

OneIndia News