IPL 2020: Another blow for Delhi as Ishant Sharma ruled out

After losing their lead spinner Amit Mishra earlier in the tournament, the Delhi Capitals have suffered another injury blow. This time it has come in the form of fast bowler Ishant Sharma. The franchise on Monday (October 12) confirmed the pacer has been ruled out of IPL 2020.

“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. “

Despite being an IPL veteran in the previous seasons, Ishant featured in just a solitary game for the Capitals this year. Bowling against his former franchise, Sunrisers Hyderabad, the Delhi pacer went wicketless.

Ishant’s absence means that the likes of Harshal Patel, Mohit Sharma, Avesh Khan could get a shot at nailing their spot in the playing XI. Delhi have persisted with Harshal for now. The other two pacers being the South African duo of Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje. The Capitals are currently enjoying their run in the top half of the points table. Before their loss against the Mumbai Indians, they were placed at the top, having dominated the previous encounters. With five wins in seven matches, Delhi will be keen to continue their quest for a maiden IPL title.