New Delhi, August 16: Ishant Sharma is running against time to get fit for the Champions Trophy scheduled to begin in Pakistan from September 12. The lanky paceman, who is a part of the 14-member Indian squad for the biennial event, had sustained a right gluteus (buttock) muscle contusion during the third Test in Sri Lanka.
After his return — he has been rested for the ODI series in Lanka — Ishant underwent a fitness test at the NCA in Bangalore. He has been advised to take a few days rest before resuming full-fledged practice.
“He has returned from Bangalore on Friday after spending two days. He has been given a complete chart to follow for rehab. He’s been asked to do only light exercises now, and will start bowling only after a couple of days. Though he isn’t feeling the pain now, no one wants to take a chance,” said the bowler’s father Vijay Sharma.
The BCCI is non-committal on Ishant’s chances of making the Champions Trophy. “As of now, I can’t say whether Ishant will play in the tournament or not,” said board secretary Niranjan Shah.
