Reports: Ishant Sharma likely to be ruled out of World Cup after failing to prove fitness

Ishant Sharma could miss the World Cup 

Indian pacer Ishant Sharma is in danger of being ruled out of the World Cup after failing to pass the fitness test in Saturday’s practice session at Adelaide. The 26-year-old, who is still nursing a knee injury sustained during the Test series against Australia last December, is likely to be replaced by Mohit Sharma, who picked up 2 wickets in the only ODI he played in the recently concluded Carlton Mid ODI tri-series. 

Ishant has represented India in 76 ODIs, taking 106 wickets at an average of 31.25. Mohit, on the other hand, has only played 12 matches for his country so far, picking up 10 wickets at an average of 40.50. On decks that offer plenty of bounce, Ishant’s absence could hurt India badly. 

There are also doubts over the availability of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ravindra Jadeja and Rohit Sharma as well. The team management is expected to take a call on all these players on tomorrow.

India play two practice matches – against Australia on February 8 and against Afghanistan on February 10 – ahead of their first World Cup group match, against Pakistan on February 15. The defending champions haven’t tasted a single victory after landing in Australia, losing both the Test and ODI tri-series in the last two months.