India were dealt another blow even before the start of the Test series against Sri Lanka as their pace bowler, S Sreesanth was ruled out of the series due to a knee injury. Sreesanth will return back to India and it is expected that a replacement will soon be announced.
Earlier, India were left gasping when Zaheer Khan, their premier fast bowler could not make the trip due to a shoulder injury. Zaheer has been India’s leading pace bowler, and when fit is the best that the side has by a distance. Zaheer Khan had then been replaced by A Mithun, with Sreesanth and Ishant Sharma expected to lead the pace attack.
However, this injury to Sreesanth means that Abhimanyu Mithun, who is only one season old at the Ranji level, will now make his Test match debut. Similarly, there will be a new pace bowler, one of the likes of Ashok Dinda, Vinay Kumar or someone else, who will get an opportunity.
Mithun had been the leading wicket-taker in the Ranji trophy last year and it remains to be seen how the Indians will go about their business with a youngster to open the attack. Ishant has been struggling with his form as well, and with Harbhajan down with a viral fever, the things have not gone according to note for the side so far.
India plays three Tests on this tour.