Uncertainty looms large over Ishant Sharma's further participation in the on-going deciding cricket Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo as the lanky pacer was not able to bear full weight after being diagnosed with right gluteus muscle contusion.
In all likelihood, Ishant, who broke down
during the Lankan first innings on the second day of the match on Saturday, will not bowl during the rest of the innings and possibly the entire game.
"Ishant has got a right gluteus (buttocks) muscle contusion. It has been confirmed by an MRI scan. He too is not being able to bear full-weight on that side," Indian team's physiotherapist Nithin Patel said in a statement today released by team manager TC Matthew.
However, good news for India was that master blaster Sachin Tendulkar's injury was not serious as an MRI scan found him suffering from a swelling in his left elbow joint, while VVS Laxman has sprained his left ankle.
According to sources within the team management, Tendulkar, who hurt his elbow on Saturday while attempting to take a catch off Chaminda Vaas, would bat in the second innings.
"Sachin has got a swelling in the left elbow joint and that is confirmed by an MRI scan. His elbow movements are not comfortable at present," the statement read.
"Laxman also performed MRI Scans and has got a left ankle sprain. He is still not able to bear full weight," it added.
Meanwhile, wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel who got a cut on his nose from a Anil Kumble delivery on Saturday, returned to the field today after being kept under overnight observation.