Reports: Mohit Sharma could replace injured Ishant Sharma in World Cup squad

Mohit Sharma

According to a report in the Mumbai Mirror, Mohit Sharma could be in line to replace injured fast bowler Ishant Sharma in India’s 15-man World Cup squad. The 26-year-old was impressive in the lone game that he played in the tri-series, against England at Perth on Friday, taking 2 wickets for 36 runs in his 10 overs.

Ishant had suffered a knee injury during the Boxing Day Test in December and only returned for the Australia ODI at Sydney on January 26. But inclement weather abandoned the match and prevented the Delhi pacer from getting into the thick of the action. Subsequently, in the only training session India had prior to their do-or-die match against England on Friday, his troublesome knee flared up once again, leading to doubts about his availability.      

The report added that Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami are also not 100% fit as yet, but Ishant’s injury is a bit more serious than the others. The team management have been given a deadline of February 5 by the BCCI to finalize the team for the mega event. Along with Mohit, Mumbai fast bowler Dhawal Kulkarni will also remain with the team in Australia as a standby in case of any last minute withdrawals from any of the quicker bowlers due to injury.

"We can't sit back and watch silently. There is a need to address the issue before it is too late. We'll take a final call by February 5,” a source from the board said.

Bhuvi’s condition is being monitored

The source added that while Ishant’s participation in the event looks doubtful,  Bhuvneshwar’s condition is being monitored currently.

"We're watching him too but at this stage Ishant looks doubtful for World Cup," he added.

BCCI officials also said that few members of the squad have left Adelaide, which is where the “Men in Blue” are currently based, for a few days after seeking permission from the board. They have been asked to rejoin the rest of the squad on the 5th.