India pacer Ishant Sharma is unlikely to be part of the Test squad which tours New Zealand for a two-match series soon. The right-arm pacer suffered an ankle issue while playing for Delhi in Ranji Trophy and latest reports suggest that he has been ruled out of the series. His absence will come as a big blow for the visiting team.
While Ishant might not play the series, Jasprit Bumrah will be back in the Test squad after more than four months. The national selectors are set to name the Test and ODI squads for the tour in a couple of days. Just before the selection meeting, we have a look at likely contenders to replace Ishant in the Test team –