Ishant Sharma will not be included in the 14-member Indian team, skippered by Anil Kumble, at least for the first and possibly the second Tests against South Africa.

A total of 3 Test matches are to be played in the series. According to BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah: “Ishant needs more rest and has been ruled out of the first Test. In case he recovers, we might consider him for the second Test.”

Ishant, consequently, will not be playing in the first Test to be hosted in Chennai between March 26 and 30 and probably not the second also in Ahmedabad between April 3 and 7. It is understood that Ishant is currently recovering from toe and forefinger injuries.

It might be recalled that Ishant had proved lethal for Ricky Ponting and his squad during the Indian team’s recent tour of Australia. This had won him the Admiration of the likes of Steve Waugh and Javagal Srinath- to name a few.

The verdict for Ishant when he underwent a fitness test at the NCA on March 21 was: “more rest.” Fitness issues have, for quite a while, been bugging the Indian squad and more so since their last Australian tour. It can only be hoped that Ishant will make a comeback during the forthcoming Test series soonest possible.