India have faced a huge set back ahead of the all important test series against the Kiwis. The veteran pacer Ishant Sharma who was doubtful for the 1st test has been in all likelihood ruled out of the 1st test match starting February 21st.
The veteran pacer has been bowling like a dream in the last few years for India and has been the leader of the Indian pace attack. The trio of Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah , and Mohammad Shami were turning the tables on with their relentless and impeccable bowling.
Ishant Sharma 2.0
The tall and lanky pacer Ishant Sharma who made his debut in 2007 has been an integral part of the Indian test team since then. Though his limited overs format has been not so successful, he has been one of the bowlers that the history of the Indian cricket will remember as far as test cricket is concerned. He has turned into a completely different beast in the last 3 years and take his game to a whole new level.
Best Bowling Avg in tests in 2019 (min 20 Wkts)
Umesh Yadav – 13.65
Ishant Sharma – 15.56
Rashid Khan – 15.76
Mhd. Shami – 16.67
Jason Holder – 17.25
Neil Wagner – 18.05
Active players with the most Test wickets for India:
362 – Ravichandran Ashwin
292 – Ishant Sharma
211 – Ravindra Jadeja
175 – Mohammed Shami
142 – Umesh Yadav
There is no doubt that India will miss a player of Ishant Sharms’s caliber and will be a difficult player to replace.
Toss up between Navdeep Saini and Umesh Yadav
The absence of Ishant Sharma means Mohammad Shami will spearhead the attack along with Jasprit Bumrah. India will have to choose one among the in-form Umesh Yadav and the ever impressive Navdeep Saini as a replacement for Ishant Sharma
It will be interesting to see how India will choose their playing XI as there will be some tough choices to make.
Wellington will host the 1st test on February 21st.