Ishant out of Kanpur Test with chikungunya

India’s seniormost fast bowler Ishant Sharma has been ruled out of the first cricket Test against New Zealand starting September 22 as he is recovering from chikungunya, a viral that has been prevalent in the National Capital Region (NCR).

India’s chief coach Anil Kumble intimated the mediapersons on Tuesday.

“Ishant Sharma is recovering from chikungunya and will not be available for the first Test match. We have not asked for any replacement and will choose our first XI from the available 14,” chief coach Anil Kumble told mediapersons after the training session.

Chikungunya fever has affected a lot of people in Delhi and adjoining areas with state’s health department issuing alerts for the citizen.

Ishant is a resident of West Delhi’s Patel Nagar area.

Ishant is the most experienced of India’s four pacers with 209 wickets from 72 Tests.

If India happen to go in with two pacers, then the likely choices will be Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Ishant has been a regular member of the Test side, having played 72 matches for his country. 

He picked up eight wickets at an average of 32.12 in the recently-concluded four-match Test series against West Indies. 

The visitors, on the other hand, are already without the services of James Neesham and Tim Southee. While all-rounder Neesham will be out of action for the first game due to a rib injury he sustained prior to the start of New Zealand’s practice game.