Ishant Sharma hits top gear

BENGALURU: On the mend, pacer Ishant Sharma went through two bowling sessions at the M Chinnaswamy stadium on Wednesday. The 32-year-old, who had started bowling at the main ground pitch over the past couple of days, hit top gear taking part in sessions lasting about 45 minutes each within a span of a few hours.
Ishant is undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy since returning from the Indian Premier League in the UAE.He suffered an abdominal muscle tear while turning out for Delhi Capitals. Ishant, who featured in just one IPL match, pulled out of the competition on October 12 after he complained of pain in his rib cage during a practice session.
With the stadium hosting the 2019-2020 final of the league tournament on the day, Ishant's practice was scheduled during the innings break and after the match.
During the first session, which included some catch practice as well, he was watched by Rahul Dravid, head of cricket, NCA, while chairman of the selection committee Sunil Joshi watched both sessions. After the first session, Ishant was seen having a lengthy conversation with Joshi.
Ishant started with a short run-up before hitting his regular strides with former India pacer Paras Mhambrey overseeing along with NCA's support staff. He looked at ease as he bowled continuously and swung the ball both ways.
Ishant's progress will be welcome news for the Indian camp currently under quarantine in Australia. In a media release on November 9, the BCCI had stated, "The senior Indian fast bowler has been undergoing his rehab at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. Once he fully recovers and gains sufficient match fitness, he will be added to India's Test squad."
BHUVI CHECKS IN
Meanwhile, pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who was ruled out of the IPL due to a thigh muscle injury after four matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad, reported at the NCA on Wednesday.
Star batsman Rohit Sharma, who picked up a hamstring injury during the match against Kings XI Punjab on October 18, is likely to arrive for rehabilitation on Thursday. While Rohit has been left out of the limited overs team, he has been named in the squad for the four-match Test series.