In the run-up to the long-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 tournament, major teams face unexpected setbacks.
A slew of cricketing stars are set to miss the matches due to various physical injuries and personal reasons. As a result, teams scramble to find replacements to keep their strategies intact.
Impact on Gujarat Titans
Leading the list of injuries is Gujarat Titans’ Mohammed Shami, the top wicket-taker of the 2023 season. Recovering from an ankle injury sustained during the 2023 ODI World Cup, he underwent surgery in London and is ruled out of the tournament. As of now, the Titans have not announced Shami’s replacement.
Additionally, wicketkeeper Matthew Wade anticipates missing the Titans’ first, and possibly the second match, due to his participation in the Sheffield Shield final for Tasmania.
Adjustments for Lucknow Super Giants
Over at Lucknow Super Giants, England’s Mark Wood pulled out of the IPL 2024. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) decided to regulate his workload leading to the T20 World Cup and England’s summer games.
In Wood’s absence, the team has called West Indies fast bowler, Shamar Joseph.
Changes in Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders
The injury curse continues with the Rajasthan Royals’ Prasidh Krishna. Reigning from the India fast bowler contingent, Krishna underwent surgery on his quadriceps tendon in February. He had initially sustained the injury during the Ranji Trophy and is ruled out for a second consecutive IPL season. Yet, the Royals have not declared a replacement.
Kolkata Knight Riders face two key impacts on their line-up. England opener Jason Roy withdrew from the IPL 2024 campaign due to personal reasons. To plug the gap, England’s Phil Salt, the current World No. 2 in T20I rankings, has joined the KKR squad.
Fast bowler Gus Atkinson, set for his maiden IPL season, also pulled out due to the ECB’s decision to manage his workload. Sri Lanka fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera will replace him.
The Blow to Chennai Super Kings
Complicating matters for the Super Kings, New Zealand batter Devon Conway had surgery recently for a thumb injury. Predicted to be out for eight weeks, his absence is a significant blow to the team.
The team is still considering its options for a replacement. As teams exchange players and work towards creating the best possible line-up, it’s clear that IPL 2024 is off to an intriguing start before the first bowl is ever delivered.
