Ishant's injury a cause for concern

In the wars for a while now, the youngster from Delhi had shown great heart and promise during the Tests against Sri Lanka, recovering superbly from an ordinary display on day one of the series to reassert his credentials as a world-class performer. From understudy, Ishant was pitchforked into the role of the spearhead in Zaheer Khan’s injury-enforced absence, and he acquitted himself with no little credit, striking up a nice tandem with the raw Abhimanyu Mithun.

The ankle injury that has kept him out of Tuesday’s tri-series opener against New Zealand isn’t serious and won’t force him out of the entire competition. Indeed, with the availability of Ashish Nehra and Praveen Kumar, Ishant being left out is more precautionary than anything else.

At a time when several influential members are out injured, India could have done with a fit 15 to choose from, though the longish break – India’s next match, against Sri Lanka, isn’t until August 16 – should do Ishant a world of good.

“We fielded for 120-130 overs in most innings, and while we did win the last Test, you are quite tired at the end of the day,” said Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who confirmed Ishant’s unavailability.

“The long gap between matches is mainly because of the reserve day. One can’t really complain, that’s the schedule. We will take some time off, maybe a couple of days completely away from cricket, and then look to getting back into the groove.”

Ishant’s injury means Abhimanyu Mithun is almost certain to play his second one-dayer, unless India go in with only two seamers.