NZ vs IND: 2nd Test – Ishant Sharma ruled out with ankle injury

Pace spearhead Ishant Sharma will miss the second Test against New Zealand in Christchurch after re-injuring his right ankle. He initially suffered the injury during the Ranji Trophy which had put his participation for the tour in doubt. But Ishant recovered and was India’s star performer in the first Test, picking up a 5-wicket haul in the first innings. India were thoroughly decimated in Wellington and now face an uphill task to win the match in Christchurch without their most experienced pacer.

In his absence, Umesh Yadav is most likely to feature in the playing XI. The team management also has the option of playing Navdeep Saini. But they are unlikely to hand a debut to a rookie pacer with such high stakes at play. There could be more changes in the bowling department, with Ravindra Jadeja likely to replace Ravichandran Ashwin.

Umesh Yadav has become somewhat of a home specialist for India, last featuring in an overseas Test in 2018. He has never played a Test match in New Zealand but will have to up his game with India playing catch-up. He had a magnificent home summer though, picking up 23 wickets in 4 Test matches.

Opener Prithvi Shaw though could feature in the second Test after recovering well from his injury.