IPL 2020: DC's Ishant Sharma ruled out of the tournament with an abdominal muscle tear

Delhi Capitals (DC) are doing exceptionally well in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season. They have so far won five matches out of seven and are at the second position in the points table. But their bench strength is getting weaker with every passing day. DC’s most experienced pace bowler Ishant Sharma has been ruled out of the whole season now.

He played only one match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on September 29 and went for 26 runs in three overs without picking up a wicket. Moreover, he had played this game after recovering from another injury. This time around, he has suffered abdominal muscle tear and will not take any further part in the tournament.

DC released an official statement stating that Ishant Sharma complained of a pain in his left rib cage while training on October 7. “Delhi Capitals fast bowler Ishant Sharma experienced an acute episode of left rib cage pain while bowling at a team training session on 7 October 2020 in Dubai.

“Subsequent investigations revealed that he sustained a left internal oblique muscle tear. This injury will unfortunately rule him out of the remainder of the Dream11 Indian Premier League 2020,” the statement read according to ESPNCricinfo.

The Capitals are already suffering with their leg-spinner Amit Mishra getting ruled out of the IPL while Rishabh Pant is also out of action for a week.

Will Ishant Sharma tour Australia?

Meanwhile, Ishant Sharma’s injury must have stunned team India as well who are scheduled to tour Australia soon after the IPL ends on November 10. India will play four Tests, 3 ODIs and as many T20 Internationals on their tour down under. However, it is still not clear how long Ishant will be out of action and if he will be fit for the tour in time.

As per the earlier report, the first Test could commence on December 17 in Adelaide which is also supposed to be played under the lights. Ishant Sharma last played a Test was in the first of the two-match series against New Zealand. He was ruled out of the final game due to ankle injury.