IPL 2024: Ishant Sharma leaves field after hurting ankle in PBKS vs DC clash

Delhi Capitals are taking on the Punjab Kings in the second match of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL 2024). DC camp has a fair reason to cheer about as their star player Rishabh Pant is back after successful injury rehab, but they have to think over it again as their key pacer Ishant Sharma sustained an injury during the match. The veteran pacer was at the boundary where he tried to stop the ball and hurt his ankle during the process. 

The 35-year-old looked in ample pain as he had to walk out of the field immediately with the help of physios. Sharma looked in sound touch as he bowled two over today before sustaining the injury. In his brief spell, he claimed the priced wicket of Punjab captain Shikhar Dhawan. The wicket was reminiscent of vintage Ishant as he dislodged the timber of charging Dhawan. He even orchestrated a run-out at the bowler's end by dismissing the dangerous-looking Jonny Bairstow.

Ishant Sharma made a significant impact for the Delhi Capitals in the latter half of the IPL 2023. Before the last edition, he featured in 10 matches of a season only once since 2014. However, DC had shown faith in the greyhead of the Indian bowling pantheon during the auctions. It was evident when the DC head coach, Ricky Ponting, asserted that the pacer was not in great touch at the start of the IPL but found rhythm going into the mid-stage of the season.

Also Read: IPL 2024: Google welcomes Rishabh Pant with a special post on his return to action

Delhi Capitals dream big amidst plethora of changes

Delhi Capitals are one of those teams who have not won an IPL trophy in their longstanding journey in the league. They have seen several revamp when it comes to captaincy and coaching staff.  They showed some promise when David Warner led them in the 2023 season but faltered at the end. Rishabh who captained the squad in 2021 and 2022 had to let go of the captaincy reigns in 2023 owing to his unfortunate accident. Pant had replaced Shreyas Iyer as a captain and since then the team has hoped for a maiden title.