IPL 2020: Ishant Sharma ruled out of the tournament due to muscle tear

Delhi Capitals experienced fast bowler Ishant Sharma has been ruled out of the ongoing Indian Premier League 2020, the franchise confirmed on Monday.

The lanky fast bowler from Delhi, initially complained regarding the pain in the rib cage and now it is revealed that he has sustained a muscle tear.

Ishant had played a key role in taking Delhi Capitals to the playoff stages in the previous season as he had scalped 13 wickets in as many matches. However, he could only play a solitary match in the ongoing season. The veteran pacer went wicketless against Sunrisers Hyderabad and conceded 26 runs in the three overs he bowled.

“Ishant Sharma experienced an acute episode of left rib cage pain while bowling at a team training session on 7 October 2020 in Dubai,” the franchise said in a statement. “Subsequent investigations revealed that he sustained a left internal oblique muscle tear.”

Overall, Ishant Sharma has scalped 71 wickets in 90 IPL matches. Furthermore, it is reported that the injury can also put Ishant’s participation in jeopardy for the Australian tour.

Meanwhile, DC have also given chances to bowlers like Mohit Sharma and Avesh Khan. The Shreyas Iyer-led team has played Harshal Patel in the last couple of matches and he has done a decent job for the franchise.

On the other hand, Delhi Capitals main fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje, who replaced Chris Woakes, have been brilliant for the team. Rabada is currently the leading wicket-taker as the South African gun pacer has snared 17 wickets in seven matches whereas Nortje has bagged eight wickets in seven matches.

Delhi has had a good start to the season as they have won five matches out of the seven they have played to share the top position with Mumbai Indians. DC will look to continue the good show going.

Delhi will next take on RR at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on 14th October.