Sharma played with heavy dose of pain killers
Ishant Sharma has been rested for the Bangalore Test, but that may not help him recover from his injury
Mohali: Ishant Sharma has been rested for the Bangalore Test, but that may not help him recover from his injury.
He reportedly took a heavy dose of pain killers while producing his deadly spell in the second innings to wreck the Australian top order.
He could bowl only 11.4 overs in the first innings and had to return to the pavilion with acute pain.
Sharma also sparkled with the bat hitting a fighting 31 to provide good support to VVS Laxman and ensure India's victory.
Incidentally, Sharma has been taking pain killers for the last few months for his knee injury.
Sharma's coach, Sharwan Kumar, said it was the player's determination that has kept him going.
It is understood that Sharma may need to go for surgery which might force him to be out of action for four months.
But the pacer Sharma is not ready for it since he would like to be part of India's tight schedule and does not want to miss an important series against Australia.
However, the selectors have now taken the decision that despite his good performance he should now rest.
It is also understood that he bowled poorly in the first innings because of the pain and hence could not concentrate on a good line and length. According to his coach, Sharma hates to sit out due to injury.
It is likely that the Board of Control for Cricket in India might force him to get the surgery done since they do not want to carry an injured player in the team.
Should Sharma undergo the knee surgery, he fears he may not get selected for the 2011 World Cup set to commence in February.
