IPL 2024: Ishant Sharma twists right ankle, limps off the field during PBKS vs DC clash

Ishant Sharma bowled two overs, conceded 16 runs and took one wicket before limping off the field.

Delhi Capitals (DC) suffered a huge blow as their in-form pacer Ishant Sharma suffered an ankle injury in their ongoing IPL 2024 opening match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on March 23, 2024. The match is being contested at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, which is making its IPL debut this season.

Shikhar Dhawan, the PBKS captain, won the toss and elected to bowl first. DC got off to a strong start, with openers Mitchell Marsh (20) and David Warner (29) scoring 39 runs in 3.2 overs. But DC subsequently lost several wickets, including captain Rishabh Pant, for 18 runs.

Shai Hope scored 33 on his IPL debut, but at 137/8, it appeared unlikely for DC to reach the 160-170 run mark. However, DC made a tactical shift by bringing in Abishek Porel as an impact player for Ricky Bhui, and Porel made a significant difference.

He remained unbeaten on 32 in just 10 balls, striking four fours and two sixes, including 25 runs in DC’s final over, bowled by Harshal Patel. Porel’s stunning knock helped DC reach 174/9 after 20 overs.

Ishant Sharma rattles DC’s batting before leaving the field with an injury

In reply, Shikhar Dhawan and Jonny Bairstow started well for PBKS. Dhawan hammered 9 runs in the first over bowled by Khaleel Ahmed, in which he went for 17 runs in total. He continued the domination, hitting Ishant Sharma for a four in the next over.

Dhawan was looking in a dangerous mood, but Ishant clean-bowled him for 22 runs in 16 balls. Then Jonny Bairstow was run out when Prabhsimran Singh played a straight drive which hit the stumps on the other end ricocheting off Ishant Sharma’s fingers, sending back the England opener. He picked 1/16 in 2 overs.

However, during the 6th over of PBKS innings, on the third ball, tragedy struck DC camp. Prabhsimran Singh had hit Mitchell Marsh towards deep midwicket. Ishant Sharma fielding at the position picked up the ball and as he was going to throw it, he twisted his right ankle and went down immediately.

DC physio came out to check on the big fast bowler and ultimately decided that Ishant leaves the field. He was seen limping out of the field supported by two DC players and was in immense pain.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket for IPL 2024 Live Score & IPL Points Table,  on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.