India vs New Zealand: Ishant Sharma ruled out of Kanpur Test due to illness

Kanpur: Indian cricket team was dealt a big blow on Tuesday as fast bowler Ishant Sharma was declared unfit to play in the first Test against New Zealand at the Green Park cricket stadium on Thursday. Ishant has been ruled of the first Test as he is recovering from chikungunya – a viral disease transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes. India’s coach Anil Kumble has informed that the team management had not asked for Ishant’s replacement and assured that the lanky pacer would be fit for the rest of the Test series. "Ishant Sharma is recovering from chikungunya and will not be available for the first Test match. We have not asked for any replacement and will choose our first XI from the available 14," chief coach Anil Kumble told mediapersons after the training session. Chikungunya fever has affected a lot of people in Delhi and adjoining areas with state's health department issuing alerts for the citizen. Ishant is a resident of West Delhi's Patel Nagar area. Ishant is the most experienced of India's four pacers with 209 wickets from 72 Tests. If India happen to go in with two pacers, then the likely choices will be Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.